Formulation approach to extend the high temperature performance of lithium complex greases

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity and a method of using the same. The lithium complex grease includes: a lithium complex thickener, a friction modifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one synthetic base oil with alkylated naphthalene. The lithium complex grease can be substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene. Furthermore, the lithium complex grease provides a median failure rate via a ball bearing test (e.g., using the FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821) performed at 160° C. of no less than 100 hours.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part application and claims priority to pending U.S. application Ser. No. 16/010,704 filed on Jun. 18, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/532,014 filed on Jul. 13, 2017, the entire contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lubricating compositions and methods of making the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to lithium grease compositions with extended high temperature resistance and methods of making the same.

BACKGROUND

As technology advance and throughput increase with mechanical devices, there is an increased demand for higher temperature operating conditions and lubricating compositions, such as grease, with enhances resistance.

Lubricating formulations and greases with a wide assortment of different materials are known. For example, lithium complex greases are well known and can be made from any of a wide variety of base stocks of lubricating oil viscosity, as well as mixtures of base stocks. For example, lithium complex greases that comprise a lithium complex thickener and a lubricating base oil are well known. Greases have varied levels of desirable grease characteristics, such as dropping point, penetration, mechanical stability, shear stability, oxidation resistance, high temperature resistance, etc. These characteristics are used to describe the lubricating life of the particular grease.

Currently, lithium soap based greases represent approximately 80% of the lubricating grease market and generally provide acceptable lubricating performance. However, lithium soap based greases are limited by their high-temperature resistance. For example, lithium soap based grease in polyalphaolefin (PAO) based fluid maxes out at 140° C. Currently available high-temperature lithium greases are either composed of solid particles, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which induce wear and tear on the lubricated surface(s) (such as bearings, gears, slide plates, etc.), or polyester (POE) base oils, which are costly, are limited in certain properties and impractical for manufacture.

Thus, a need exists for high-temperature lubricating grease that has enhanced/extended high temperature resistance, and especially in bearing applications.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the disclosure provides a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity. The lithium complex grease comprises: a lithium complex thickener; a friction modifier; a polymer or copolymer; and at least one synthetic base oil having alkylated naphthalene.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity comprising: a lithium complex thickener; a friction modifier; a polymer or copolymer; and at least one synthetic base oil including alkylated naphthalene; wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821) of no less than 100 hours.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of improving high-temperature resistivity of a lithium complex grease used to lubricate a ball bearing, the method comprising: lubricating a ball bearing with a lithium complex grease comprising: a major amount of at least one synthetic base oil, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil includes alkylated naphthalene; a minor amount of a lithium complex thickener; a minor amount of a friction modifier; a minor amount of a polymer or copolymer; and the remainder of the lithium complex grease comprising one or more other grease additives; and measuring the high-temperature resistivity of the lithium complex grease with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821), wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate in the ball bearing test of no less than 100 hours.

In still yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a lithium complex grease comprising: a major amount of at least one synthetic base oil, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil includes alkylated naphthalene; a minor amount of a lithium complex thickener; a minor amount of a friction modifier; a minor amount of a polymer or copolymer; and the remainder of the lithium complex grease comprising one or more other grease additives; wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821) of no less than 100 hours.

In some embodiments, the friction modifier is at least one of a molybdenum (Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenum dithiophosphate (MoDTP), an organic molybdenum amine or amide complex, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the polymer or copolymer comprises at least one of ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or a combination thereof.

In additional embodiments, the polymer or copolymer is Vistamaxx™ 6202.

In other embodiments, the synthetic base oil includes at least one of an alkylated naphthalene base oil, a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil, alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.

In particular embodiments, the alkylated naphthalene base oil is at least one of a 5 cSt, 12 cSt, 15 cSt, or 19 cSt alkylated naphthalene base oil, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PAO base oil is at least one of a 2 cSt, 3.4 cSt, 3.6 cSt, 4 cSt, 5 cSt, 6 cSt, 8 cSt, 10 cSt, 40 cSt, 65 cSt, 100 cSt, 150 cSt, or 300 cSt PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In yet another embodiment, the lithium complex grease comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a friction modifier, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity. The method comprises mixing a lithium complex thickener, a friction modifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one synthetic base oil having alkylated naphthalene.

In some embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; at least 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the lithium complex grease contains sufficient friction modifier to provide 0.1% to 2% molybdenum and 0.1% to 2% sulfur to the composition.

In certain embodiments, the lithium complex grease contains a friction modifier with a mass ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of 1 to 1.5.

In other embodiments, the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. of no less than 100 hours.

In certain embodiments, the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In additional embodiments, the lithium complex grease further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a friction modifier, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof.

Where applicable or not specifically disclaimed, any one of the embodiments described herein are contemplated to be able to combine with any other one or more embodiments or aspects, even though the embodiments are described under different aspects of the invention. These and other embodiments are disclosed or are obvious from and encompassed by, the following Detailed Description, including the Drawings and Examples herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example, but not intended to limit the invention solely to the specific embodiments described, may best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 (also referred to as Table 8) depicts the impact of Polymer, Friction Modifier, and Alkylated Naphthalene on FE9 performance.

FIG. 2 (also referred to as Table 9) depicts base line Lithium Complex Grease FE9 performance at 160 deg. C.

FIG. 3 (also referred to as Table 10) depicts the impact of Molybdenum-Containing Friction Modifiers on FE9 performance.

FIG. 4 (also referred to as Table 11) depicts the impact of Co-thickener Alone and Alkylated Naphthalene Alone on FE9 performance.

FIG. 5 (also referred to as Table 12) depicts the impact combinations of Alkylated Naphthalene, Co-thickeners, Molybdenum Friction Modifiers, and Polymers on FE9 performance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specification relates, in part, to the surprising discovery that the compositions of the present disclosure surprisingly and unexpectedly provide extended high-temperature resistance. A synergistic effect is achieved by the combination of ingredients in the composition of the present disclosure, thereby providing a superior high temperature resistance, which was heretofore unknown.

The following is a detailed description of the disclosure provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety and may be employed in the practice of the present invention.

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

The specification relates, in part, to the surprising discovery that the lubricating composition of the present disclosure provides enhanced high-temperature resistivity. It was also surprising and unexpected that the enhanced high-temperature resistivity is provided by a synergistic effect of the friction modifier, polymer, and base oil.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.

The following terms may have meanings ascribed to them below, unless specified otherwise. However, it should be understood that other meanings that are known or understood by those having ordinary skill in the art are also possible, and within the scope of the present invention. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The articles “a”, “an”, and “the” as used herein and in the appended claims are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from anyone or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, in certain methods described herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited unless the context indicates otherwise.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term “about” is understood as within a range of normal tolerance in the art, for example within 2 standard deviations of the mean. “About” can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from context, all numerical values provided in detailed description and claims are modified by the term “about.”

Any compositions or methods provided herein can be combined with one or more of any of the other compositions and methods provided herein.

Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50.

The phrase “major amount” as it relates to components included within the greases of the specification and the claims means greater than or equal to 50 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 60 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 70 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 80 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 90 wt. % based on the total weight of the grease composition.

The phrase “minor amount” as it relates to components included within the greases of the specification and the claims means less than 50 wt. %, or less than or equal to 40 wt. %, or less than or equal to 30 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 20 wt. %, or less than or equal to 10 wt. %, or less than or equal to 5 wt. %, or less than or equal to 2 wt. %, or less than or equal to 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the grease composition.

The phrase “essentially free” or “substantially free” as it relates to components included within the greases of the specification and the claims means that the particular component is at 0 weight % within the grease composition, or alternatively is at impurity type levels within the lubricating oil (less than 100 ppm, or less than 20 ppm, or less than 10 ppm, or less than 1 ppm).

The phrase “other grease additives” means at least one grease additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a friction modifier, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, and a filler.

The phrases “other mechanical component” or “mechanical component” as used in the specification and the claims means an electric vehicle component, a hybrid vehicle component, a power train, a driveline, a transmission, a gear, a gear train, a gear set, a compressor, a pump, a hydraulic system, a bearing, a bushing, a turbine, a piston, a piston ring, a cylinder liner, a cylinder, a cam, a tappet, a lifter, a gear, a valve, or a bearing including a journal, a roller, a tapered, a needle, and a ball bearing.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Compositions of the Present Disclosure

In an aspect, the disclosure provides a lithium complex grease that has surprising and unexpectedly high-temperature resistivity. In one form, the lithium complex grease comprises: a lithium complex thickener; a friction modifier; a polymer or copolymer; and at least one synthetic base oil having alkylated naphthalene. In another form, the lithium complex grease comprises: a major amount of at least one synthetic base oil, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil includes alkylated naphthalene; a minor amount of a lithium complex thickener; a minor amount of a friction modifier; and a minor amount of a polymer or copolymer. In another form, the lithium complex grease with at least one synthetic base oil also includes a PAO base oil. The loading ranges for each of the synthetic base oil, the lithium complex thickener, the friction modifier and the polymer or copolymer of the inventive lithium complex greases disclosed herein are provided below.

In certain embodiments, the synthetic base oil includes an alkylated naphthalene base oil. Alternatively, the synthetic base oil may include an alkylated naphthalene base oil and a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil or alkylated naphthalene in a PAO base oil. The present disclosure unexpectedly discovered that the combination of the polymer/co-copolymer (e.g., ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or a combination thereof), the alkylated naphthalene, and the friction modifier (such a molybdenum friction modifier) results in a synergistic increase in high-temperature resistivity. In an embodiment, the co-polymer is Vistamaxx™ 6202.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has about 10% to about 50% of alkylated naphthalene base oil. For example, the alkylated naphthalene base oil may be present in about 10.0% to about 50%, about 10% to about 45%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 35%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 50%, about 15% to about 45%, about 15% to about 40%, about 15% to about 35%, about 15% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, about 15% to about 20%, about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 45%, about 20% to about 40%, about 20% to about 35%, about 20% to about 30%, about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about 50%, about 25% to about 45%, about 25% to about 40%, about 25% to about 35%, about 25% to about 30%, about 30% to about 50%, about 30% to about 45%, about 30% to about 40%, about 30% to about 35%, about 35% to about 50%, about 35% to about 45%, about 35% to about 40%, about 40% to about 50%, about 40% to about 45%, or about 25% to about 50% of the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has about 10% to about 80% of PAO base oil. For example, the PAO base oil may be present in about 10% to about 80%, about 10% to about 75%, about 10% to about 70%, about 10% to about 65%, about 10% to about 60%, about 10% to about 55%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 45%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 35%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 80%, about 15% to about 75%, about 15% to about 70%, about 15% to about 65%, about 15% to about 60%, about 15% to about 55%, about 15% to about 50%, about 15% to about 45%, about 15% to about 40%, about 15% to about 35%, about 15% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, about 15% to about 20%, about 20% to about 80%, about 20% to about 75%, about 20% to about 70%, about 20% to about 65%, about 20% to about 60%, about 20% to about 55%, about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 45%, about 20% to about 40%, about 20% to about 35%, about 20% to about 30%, about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about 80%, about 25% to about 75%, about 25% to about 70%, about 25% to about 65%, about 25% to about 60%, about 25% to about 55%, about 25% to about 50%, about 25% to about 45%, about 25% to about 40%, about 25% to about 35%, about 25% to about 30%, about 30% to about 80%, about 30% to about 75%, about 30% to about 70%, about 30% to about 65%, about 30% to about 60%, about 30% to about 55%, about 30% to about 50%, about 30% to about 45%, about 30% to about 40%, about 30% to about 35%, about 35% to about 80%, about 35% to about 75%, about 35% to about 70%, about 35% to about 65%, about 35% to about 60%, about 35% to about 55%, about 35% to about 50%, about 35% to about 45%, about 35% to about 40%, about 40% to about 80%, about 40% to about 75%, about 40% to about 70%, about 40% to about 65%, about 40% to about 60%, about 40% to about 55%, about 40% to about 50%, about 40% to about 45%, about 45% to about 80%, about 45% to about 75%, about 45% to about 70%, about 45% to about 65%, about 45% to about 60%, about 45% to about 55%, about 45% to about 50%, about 50% to about 80%, about 50% to about 75%, about 50% to about 70%, about 50% to about 65%, about 50% to about 60%, about 50% to about 55%, about 55% to about 80%, about 55% to about 75%, about 55% to about 70%, about 55% to about 65%, about 55% to about 60%, about 60% to about 80%, about 60% to about 75%, about 60% to about 70%, about 60% to about 65%, about 65% to about 80%, about 65% to about 75%, about 65% to about 70%, about 60% to about 80%, about 70% to about 75%, about 75% to about 80% of the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure.

In any aspect or embodiments described herein, the lithium complex grease has about 0.25% to about 7.0% of the polymer or copolymer. For example, the lithium complex grease has about 0.25% to about 7.0%, about 0.25% to about 6.0%, about 0.25% to about 5.0%, about 0.25% to about 4.0%, about 0.25% to about 3.0%, about 0.25% to about 2.0%, about 0.25% to about 1.0%, about 0.25% to about 0.75%, about 0.40% to about 7.0%, about 0.40% to about 6.0%, about 0.40% to about 5.0%, about 0.40% to about 4.0%, about 0.40% to about 3.0%, about 0.40% to about 2.0%, about 0.40% to about 1.0%, about 0.40% to about 0.75%, about 0.5% to about 7.0%, about 0.5% to about 6.0%, about 0.5% to about 5.0%, about 0.5% to about 4.0%, about 0.5% to about 3.0%, about 0.5% to about 2.0%, about 0.5% to about 1.0%, about 0.5% to about 0.75%, about 1.0% to about 7.0%, about 1.0% to about 6.0%, about 1.0% to about 5.0%, about 1.0% to about 4.0%, about 1.0% to about 3.0%, about 1.0% to about 2.0%, about 2.0% to about 7.0%, about 2.0% to about 6.0%, about 2.0% to about 5.0%, about 2.0% to about 4.0%, about 2.0% to about 3.0%, about 3.0% to about 7.0%, about 3.0% to about 6.0%, about 3.0% to about 5.0%, about 3.0% to about 4.0%, about 4.0% to about 7.0%, about 4.0% to about 6.0%, about 4.0% to about 5.0%, about 5.0% to about 7.0%, about 5.0% to about 6.0%, or about 6.0% to about 7.0% of the lithium complex grease of the disclosure.

The alkylated naphthalene base oil used in the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and can be any alkylated naphthalene base oil that is known or that becomes known. For example, the alkylated naphthalene base oil can be at least one of a 5 cSt, 12 cSt, 15 cSt, 19 cSt alkylated naphthalene, or a combination thereof. Similarly, the PAO base oil used in the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and can be any PAO base oil that is known or that becomes known. For example, the PAO base oil can be at least one of a 2 cSt, 3.4 cSt, 3.6 cSt, 4 cSt, 5 cSt, 6 cSt, 8 cSt, 10 cSt, 40 cSt, 65 cSt, 100 cSt, 150 cSt, 300 cSt PAO, or a combination thereof.

The lithium complex thickener used in the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and can be any lithium complex thickener that is known or that becomes known. For example, the lithium complex thickener can comprise a lithium soap derived from a fatty acid having: (a) (i) at least one of an epoxy group, ethylenic unsaturation, or a combination thereof, and (ii) a dilithium salt derived from a straight chain dicarboxylic acid; and/or (b) a lithium salt derived from a hydroxy-substituted carboxylic acid, e.g. salicylic acid.

For example, the lithium complex thickener can comprise at least one of: a complex of a lithium soap of a C₁₂ to C₂₄ hydroxy fatty acid and a monolithium salt of boric acid; a lithium salt of a second hydroxy carboxylic acid, such as salicylic acid; or a combination thereof.

The lithium complex thickener can comprise a lithium soap of a C₁₂ to C₂₄ hydroxy fatty acid thickener antioxidant having an alkali metal salt of hydroxy benzoic acid and a diozime compound. In certain embodiments, the alkali metal salt of hydroxy benzoic acid includes dilithium salicylate.

The lithium complex thickener can be a lithium soap comprising at least one of: a dilithium salt of a C₄ to C₁₂ dicarboxylic acid, e.g., dilithium azelate; a lithium soap of a 9-, 10- or 12-hydroxy C₁₂ to C₂₄ fatty acid, e.g., lithium 12-hydroxy stearate; and a lithium salt formed in-situ in the grease from a second hydroxy carboxylic acid, wherein the —OH group is attached to a carbon atom not more than 6 carbons removed from the carboxyl group and either of those groups can be attached to aliphatic portions of the materials or aromatic portions of the materials.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex thickener can comprise a complex lithium thickener and at least one of a lithium salt of a C₃ to C₁₄ hydroxycarboxylic acid, a thiadiazole, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex thickener can comprise a lithium soap and at least one additional component, additive, co-thickener or salt which increases the dropping point of the thickener.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has about 3% to about 30% of the lithium complex thickener. For example, the lithium complex thickener may be present in about 3% to about 30%, about 3% to about 25%, about 3% to about 20%, about 3% to about 15%, about 3% to about 10%, about 3% to about 5%, about 5% to about 30%, about 3% to about 25%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, about 15% to about 20%, about 20% to about 30%, about 20% to about 25%, or about 25% to about 30% of the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the friction modifier is any molybdenum based friction modifier. The molybdenum friction modifier is not particularly limited and can be any molybdenum friction modifier that is known or that becomes known. For example, the friction modifier can be at least one friction modifier selected from the group consisting of a molybdenum (Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenum dithiophosphate (MoDTP), an organic molybdenum amine or amide complex, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has about 0.75% to about 10% of the friction modifier. For example, the friction modifier may be present in about 0.75% to about 10.0%, about 0.75% to about 9.0%, about 0.75% to about 8.0%, about 0.75% to about 7.0%, about 0.75% to about 6.0%, about 0.75% to about 5.0%, about 0.75% to about 4.0%, about 0.75% to about 3.0%, about 0.75% to about 2.0%, about 0.75% to about 1.0%, about 1.0% to about 10.0%, about 1.0% to about 9.0%, about 1.0% to about 8.0%, about 1.0% to about 7.0%, about 1.0% to about 6.0%, about 1.0% to about 5.0%, about 1.0% to about 4.0%, about 1.0% to about 3.0%, about 1.0% to about 2.0%, about 2.0% to about 10.0%, about 2.0% to about 9.0%, about 2.0% to about 8.0%, about 2.0% to about 7.0%, about 2.0% to about 6.0%, about 2.0% to about 5.0%, about 2.0% to about 4.0%, about 2.0% to about 3.0%, about 3.0% to about 10.0%, about 3.0% to about 9.0%, about 3.0% to about 8.0%, about 3.0% to about 7.0%, about 3.0% to about 6.0%, about 3.0% to about 5.0%, about 3.0% to about 4.0%, about 4.0% to about 10.0%, about 4.0% to about 9.0%, about 4.0% to about 8.0%, about 4.0% to about 7.0%, about 4.0% to about 6.0%, about 4.0% to about 5.0%, about 5.0% to about 10.0%, about 5.0% to about 9.0%, about 5.0% to about 8.0%, about 5.0% to about 7.0%, about 5.0% to about 6.0%, about 6.0% to about 10.0%, about 6.0% to about 9.0%, about 6.0% to about 8.0%, about 6.0% to about 7.0%, about 7.0% to about 10.0%, about 7.0% to about 9.0%, about 7.0% to about 8.0%, about 8.0% to about 10.0%, about 8.0% to about 9.0%, about 9.0% to about 10.0% of the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the friction modifier is present at a sufficient concentration to deliver about 0.1% to about 2% molybdenum to the lithium complex grease of the grease composition. For example, the friction modifier may be present in about 0.1% to about 2%, about 0.12% to about 1.5%, about 0.15% to about 1%, about 0.17% to about 0.9%, about 0.18% to about 0.8%, about 0.19% to about 0.7%, about 0.2% to about 0.6%, about 0.3% to about 0.5% of the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the friction modifier is present at a sufficient concentration to deliver about 0.1% to about 2% sulfur to the lithium complex grease of the grease composition. For example, the friction modifier may be present in about 0.1% to about 2%, about 0.12% to about 1.5%, about 0.15% to about 1%, about 0.17% to about 0.9%, about 0.18% to about 0.8%, about 0.19% to about 0.7%, about 0.2% to about 0.6%, about 0.3% to about 0.5% of the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the friction modifier exhibits a mass ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of about 1 to about 1.5, about 1.05 to about 1.3, about 1.1 to about 1.2.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil. That is, in certain embodiments the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure has no PTFE present. While in other embodiments, the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure has no POE base oil present. In yet further embodiments, the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure has no PTFE and no POE base oil present.

The lithium complex grease of the present disclosure can further comprise at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant (such as an amine type antioxidant, a phenolic type antioxidant, a phosphorus-containing anti-oxidant, or a sulfur-containing anti-oxidant), a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof. The particular the emulsifier, co-thickener, corrosion inhibitor, wear inhibitor, tackiness agent, colorant, odor control agent, filler, and/or antioxidant is not limited. For example, the emulsifier, co-thickener, corrosion inhibitor, wear inhibitor, and antioxidant can be any emulsifier, co-thickener, corrosion inhibitor, wear inhibitor, tackiness agent, colorant, odor control agent, filler, and/or antioxidant that is suitable for use in grease, such as lithium complex grease, that is known or that becomes known.

For example, the wear inhibitor may be selected from the group consisting of anti-wear additives based on diphenyl cresyl phosphate, amine neutralized phosphates, alkylated and nonalkylated triaryl phosphates, alkylated and nonalkylated triaryl thiophosphates, zinc or molybdenum or tungsten dialkyldithiophosphates, carbamates, thiocarbamates, zinc or molybdenum or tungsten dithiocarbamates, dimercaptothiadiazole, calcium sulfonates, and benzotrizole derivatives, which are used individually or in combination. For example, the wear inhibitor may be at least one of antimony, lead and zinc diorganophosphorodithioates, phosphorus-sulfide treated olefins, sulfurized olefins, alkylphenate sulfides and disulfides, tricresyl phosphate, chlorinated paraffin waxes, sulfurized glyceryl trioleate, antimony, lead and zinc diamyldithiocarbamate, or a combination thereof.

The antioxidant may be at least one antioxidant selected from the group consisting of aromatic aminic antioxidants, such as alkylated phenyl-alpha-naphthylamine, dialkyl-diphenylamine, aralkylated diphenylamine, sterically hindered phenols, such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), phenolic antioxidants having thioether groups, zinc or molybdenum or tungsten dialkyldithiophosphates, and phosphites, or an antioxidant comprising sulfur, nitrogen, and/or phosphorus. For example, the antioxidant may be at least one of phenyl-alpha-napthylamine, 2,2,4-trimethyldihydroquinoline oligomer, bis (alkylphenyl) amine, phenothiazine, N,N-diphenyl-phenylenediamine, or a combination thereof.

The corrosion inhibitor may be selected from the group consisting of additives based on overbased Ca sulfonates having a TBN of 100 to 300 mg KOH/g, amine-neutralized phosphates, alkylated Ca naphthalene-sulfonates, alkylated zinc naphthalene-sulfonates, zinc or calcium salts of aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acids, oxazoline derivatives, imidazole derivatives, succinic monoesters, N-alkylated benzotriazoles, which are used individually or in combination. For examples, the corrosion inhibitor may be at least one of mercaptobenzothiazole, an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or transitional metal salt of dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acids, glycerol monooleate, sodium nitrite, imidazolines of tetraethylenepentamine, or a combination thereof.

Method of Preparing Compositions of the Present Disclosure

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure. The method comprises mixing a lithium complex thickener, a friction modifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one synthetic base oil having alkylated naphthalene.

In some embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: about 3% to about 30% of the lithium complex thickener; about 0.75% to about 10% of the friction modifier; about 0.25% to about 7% of the polymer or copolymer; about 10.0% to about 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; at least 13.0% to about 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: about 6% to about 20% of the lithium complex thickener; about 1.0% to about 6% of the friction modifier; about 0.5% to about 4% of the polymer or copolymer; about 10.0% to about 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; about 30.0% to about 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the lithium complex grease contains sufficient friction modifier to provide 0.1% to 2% molybdenum and 0.1% to 2% sulfur to the composition.

In certain embodiments, the lithium complex grease contains a friction modifier with a mass ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of about 1 to about 1.5.

In other embodiments, the lithium complex grease has a statistical average time to failure with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. of no less than 100 hours.

In certain embodiments, the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In additional embodiments, the lithium complex grease further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof.

Base Oils for Use in the Present Disclosure

A wide range of lubricating base oils is known in the art. Lubricating base oils that may be useful in the present disclosure are both natural oils, and synthetic oils, and unconventional oils (or mixtures thereof) can be used unrefined, refined, or rerefined (the latter is also known as reclaimed or reprocessed oil). Unrefined oils are those obtained directly from a natural or synthetic source and used without added purification. These include shale oil obtained directly from retorting operations, petroleum oil obtained directly from primary distillation, and ester oil obtained directly from an esterification process. Refined oils are similar to the oils discussed for unrefined oils except refined oils are subjected to one or more purification steps to improve at least one lubricating oil property. One skilled in the art is familiar with many purification processes. These processes include solvent extraction, secondary distillation, acid extraction, base extraction, filtration, and percolation. Rerefined oils are obtained by processes analogous to refined oils but using an oil that has been previously used as a feed stock.

Groups I, II, III, IV and V are broad base oil stock categories developed and defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API Publication 1509; www.API.org to create guidelines for lubricant base oils. Group I base stocks have a viscosity index of from 80 to 120 and contain greater than 0.03% sulfur and/or less than 90% saturates. Group II base stocks have a viscosity index of from 80 to 120, and contain less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and greater than or equal to 90% saturates. Group III stocks have a viscosity index greater than 120 and contain less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and greater than 90% saturates. Group IV includes polyalphaolefins (PAO). Group V base stock includes base stocks not included in Groups I-IV. The table below summarizes properties of each of these five groups.

saturates sulfur viscosity index Group I  <90 and/or  >0.03% and ≥80 and <120 Group II ≥90 and ≤0.03% and ≥80 and <120 Group III ≥90 and ≤0.03% and ≥120 Group IV ---- polyalphaolefins (PAO) ---- Group V ---- all other base stocks not of Groups I-IV ----

Natural oils include animal oils, vegetable oils (castor oil and lard oil, for example), and mineral oils. Animal and vegetable oils possessing favorable thermal oxidative stability can be used. Of the natural oils, mineral oils are preferred. Mineral oils vary widely as to their crude source, for example, as to whether they are paraffinic, naphthenic, or mixed paraffinic-naphthenic. Oils derived from coal or shale are also useful. Natural oils vary also as to the method used for their production and purification, for example, their distillation range and whether they are straight run or cracked, hydrorefined, or solvent extracted.

Group II and/or Group III hydroprocessed or hydrocracked base stocks, including synthetic oils such as polyalphaolefins, alkyl aromatics and synthetic esters are also well known base stock oils.

Synthetic oils include hydrocarbon oil. Hydrocarbon oils include oils such as polymerized and interpolymerized olefins (polybutylenes, polypropylenes, propylene isobutylene copolymers, ethylene-olefin copolymers, and ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers, for example). Polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil base stocks are commonly used synthetic hydrocarbon oil. By way of example, PAOs derived from C₆, C₈, C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄ olefins or mixtures thereof may be utilized. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,956,122; 4,827,064; and 4,827,073.

The number average molecular weights of the PAOs, which are known materials and generally available on a major commercial scale from suppliers such as ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, BP, and others, typically vary from 250 to 3,000, although PAO's may be made in viscosities up to 100 cSt (100° C.). The PAOs are typically comprised of relatively low molecular weight hydrogenated polymers or oligomers of alphaolefins which include, but are not limited to, C₂ to C₃₂ alphaolefins with the C₈ to C₁₆ alphaolefins, such as 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene and the like, being preferred. The preferred polyalphaolefins are poly-1-hexene, poly-1-octene, poly-1-decene and poly-1-dodecene and mixtures thereof and mixed olefin-derived polyolefins. However, the dimers of higher olefins in the range of C₁₄ to C₁₈ may be used to provide low viscosity base stocks of acceptably low volatility. Depending on the viscosity grade and the starting polymer (e.g., oligomer), the PAOs may be predominantly trimers and tetramers of the starting olefins, with minor amounts of the higher polymers, having a viscosity range of 1.5 to 12 cSt. PAO fluids of particular use may include 3.0 cSt, 3.4 cSt, and/or 3.6 cSt and combinations thereof. Bi-modal mixtures of PAO fluids having a viscosity range of 1.5 to about 100 cSt or to about 300 cSt may be used if desired.

The PAO fluids may be conveniently made by the polymerization of an alphaolefin in the presence of a polymerization catalyst such as the Friedel-Crafts catalysts including, for example, aluminum trichloride, boron trifluoride or complexes of boron trifluoride with water, alcohols such as ethanol, propanol or butanol, carboxylic acids or esters such as ethyl acetate or ethyl propionate. For example the methods disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,178 or 3,382,291 may be conveniently used herein. Other descriptions of PAO synthesis are found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,742,082; 3,769,363; 3,876,720; 4,239,930; 4,367,352; 4,413,156; 4,434,408; 4,910,355; 4,956,122; and 5,068,487. The dimers of the C₁₄ to C₁₈ olefins are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,330.

Other useful lubricant oil base stocks include wax isomerate base stocks and base oils, comprising hydroisomerized waxy stocks (e.g. waxy stocks such as gas oils, slack waxes, fuels hydrocracker bottoms, etc.), hydroisomerized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base stocks and base oils, and other wax isomerate hydroisomerized base stocks and base oils, or mixtures thereof. Fischer-Tropsch waxes, the high boiling point residues of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, are highly paraffinic hydrocarbons with very low sulfur content. The hydroprocessing used for the production of such base stocks may use an amorphous hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst, such as one of the specialized lube hydrocracking (LHDC) catalysts or a crystalline hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst, preferably a zeolitic catalyst. For example, one useful catalyst is ZSM-48 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,269, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Processes for making hydrocracked/hydroisomerized distillates and hydrocracked/hydroisomerized waxes are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,817,693; 4,975,177; 4,921,594 and 4,897,178 as well as in British Patent Nos. 1,429,494; 1,350,257; 1,440,230 and 1,390,359. Each of the aforementioned patents is incorporated herein in their entirety. Particularly favorable processes are described in European Patent Application Nos. 464546 and 464547, also incorporated herein by reference. Processes using Fischer-Tropsch wax feeds are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,594,172 and 4,943,672, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived base oils, and other wax-derived hydroisomerized (wax isomerate) base oils be advantageously used in the instant disclosure, and may have useful kinematic viscosities at 100° C. of 3 cSt to 50 cSt, preferably 3 cSt to 30 cSt, more preferably 3.5 cSt to 25 cSt, as exemplified by GTL 4 with kinematic viscosity of 4.0 cSt at 100° C. and a viscosity index of 141. These Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived base oils, and other wax-derived hydroisomerized base oils may have useful pour points of −20° C. or lower, and under some conditions may have advantageous pour points of −25° C. or lower, with useful pour points of −30° C. to −40° C. or lower. Useful compositions of Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived base oils, and wax-derived hydroisomerized base oils are recited in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,080,301; 6,090,989, and 6,165,949 for example, and are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

The hydrocarbyl aromatics can be used as base oil or base oil component and can be any hydrocarbyl molecule that contains at least 5% of its weight derived from an aromatic moiety such as a benzenoid moiety or naphthenoid moiety, or their derivatives. These hydrocarbyl aromatics include alkyl benzenes, alkyl naphthalenes, alkyl diphenyl oxides, alkyl naphthols, alkyl diphenyl sulfides, alkylated bis-phenol A, alkylated thiodiphenol, and the like. The aromatic can be mono-alkylated, dialkylated, polyalkylated, and the like. The aromatic can be mono- or poly-functionalized. The hydrocarbyl groups can also be comprised of mixtures of alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl, cycloalkyl groups, cycloalkenyl groups and other related hydrocarbyl groups. The hydrocarbyl groups can range from C₆ up to C₆₀ with a range of C₈ to C₂₀ often being preferred. A mixture of hydrocarbyl groups is often preferred, and up to three such substituents may be present.

The hydrocarbyl group can optionally contain sulfur, oxygen, and/or nitrogen containing substituents. The aromatic group can also be derived from natural (petroleum) sources, provided at least 5% of the molecule is comprised of an above-type aromatic moiety. Viscosities at 100° C. of about 3 cSt to about 50 cSt are preferred, with viscosities of about 3.4 cSt to about 20 cSt often being more preferred for the hydrocarbyl aromatic component. In one embodiment, an alkyl naphthalene where the alkyl group is primarily comprised of 1-hexadecene is used. Other alkylates of aromatics can be advantageously used. Naphthalene or methyl naphthalene, for example, can be alkylated with olefins such as octene, decene, dodecene, tetradecene or higher, mixtures of similar olefins, and the like. Useful concentrations of hydrocarbyl aromatic in a lubricant oil composition can be 2% to 25%, preferably 4% to 20%, and more preferably 4% to 15%, depending on the application.

Alkylated aromatics such as the hydrocarbyl aromatics of the present disclosure may be produced by well-known Friedel-Crafts alkylation of aromatic compounds. See Friedel-Crafts and Related Reactions, Olah, G. A. (ed.), Inter-science Publishers, New York, 1963. For example, an aromatic compound, such as benzene or naphthalene, is alkylated by an olefin, alkyl halide or alcohol in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst. See Friedel-Crafts and Related Reactions, Vol. 2, part 1, chapters 14, 17, and 18, See Olah, G. A. (ed.), Inter-science Publishers, New York, 1964. Many homogeneous or heterogeneous, solid catalysts are known to one skilled in the art. The choice of catalyst depends on the reactivity of the starting materials and product quality requirements. For example, strong acids such as AlCl₃, BF₃, or HF may be used. In some cases, milder catalysts such as FeCl₃ or SnCl₄ are preferred. Newer alkylation technology uses zeolites or solid super acids.

Esters comprise a useful base stock. Additive solvency and seal compatibility characteristics may be secured by the use of esters such as the esters of dibasic acids with monoalkanols and the polyol esters of monocarboxylic acids. Esters of the former type include, for example, the esters of dicarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, succinic acid, alkyl succinic acid, alkenyl succinic acid, maleic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, linoleic acid dimer, malonic acid, alkyl malonic acid, alkenyl malonic acid, etc., with a variety of alcohols such as butyl alcohol, hexyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, etc. Specific examples of these types of esters include dibutyl adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, di-n-hexyl fumarate, dioctyl sebacate, diisooctyl azelate, diisodecyl azelate, dioctyl phthalate, didecyl phthalate, dieicosyl sebacate, etc.

Particularly useful synthetic esters may be those which are obtained by reacting one or more polyhydric alcohols, preferably the hindered polyols (such as the neopentyl polyols, e.g., neopentyl glycol, trimethylol ethane, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol) with alkanoic acids containing at least 4 carbon atoms, preferably C₅ to C₃₀ acids such as saturated straight chain fatty acids including caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachic acid, and behenic acid, or the corresponding branched chain fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, or mixtures of any of these materials.

Suitable synthetic ester components include the esters of trimethylol propane, trimethylol butane, trimethylol ethane, pentaerythritol and/or dipentaerythritol with one or more monocarboxylic acids containing from 5 to 10 carbon atoms. These esters are widely available commercially, for example, the Mobil P-41 and P-51 esters of ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

Also useful are esters derived from renewable material such as coconut, palm, rapeseed, soy, sunflower and the like. These esters may be monoesters, di-esters, polyol esters, complex esters, or mixtures thereof. These esters are widely available commercially, for example, the Mobil P-51 ester of ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

Other useful fluids of lubricating viscosity include non-conventional or unconventional base stocks that have been processed, preferably catalytically, or synthesized to provide high performance lubrication characteristics.

Non-conventional or unconventional base stocks/base oils include one or more of a mixture of base stock(s) derived from one or more Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) materials, as well as isomerate/isodewaxate base stock(s) derived from natural wax or waxy feeds, mineral and or non-mineral oil waxy feed stocks such as slack waxes, natural waxes, and waxy stocks such as gas oils, waxy fuels hydrocracker bottoms, waxy raffinate, hydrocrackate, thermal crackates, or other mineral, mineral oil, or even non-petroleum oil derived waxy materials such as waxy materials received from coal liquefaction or shale oil, and mixtures of such base stocks.

GTL materials are materials that are derived via one or more synthesis, combination, transformation, rearrangement, and/or degradation/deconstructive processes from gaseous carbon-containing compounds, hydrogen-containing compounds and/or elements as feed stocks such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water, methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, propylene, propyne, butane, butylenes, and butynes. GTL base stocks and/or base oils are GTL materials of lubricating viscosity that are generally derived from hydrocarbons; for example, waxy synthesized hydrocarbons, that are themselves derived from simpler gaseous carbon-containing compounds, hydrogen-containing compounds and/or elements as feed stocks. GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) include oils boiling in the lube oil boiling range (1) separated/fractionated from synthesized GTL materials such as, for example, by distillation and subsequently subjected to a final wax processing step which involves either or both of a catalytic dewaxing process, or a solvent dewaxing process, to produce lube oils of reduced/low pour point; (2) synthesized wax isomerates, comprising, for example, hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized cat and/or solvent dewaxed synthesized wax or waxy hydrocarbons; (3) hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized cat and/or solvent dewaxed Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) material (i.e., hydrocarbons, waxy hydrocarbons, waxes and possible analogous oxygenates); preferably hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/followed by cat and/or solvent dewaxing dewaxed F-T waxy hydrocarbons, or hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/followed by cat (or solvent) dewaxing dewaxed, F-T waxes, or mixtures thereof.

GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) derived from GTL materials, especially, hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/followed by cat and/or solvent dewaxed wax or waxy feed, preferably F-T material derived base stock(s) and/or base oil(s), are characterized typically as having kinematic viscosities at 100° C. of from 2 mm²/s to 50 mm²/s (ASTM D445). They are further characterized typically as having pour points of −5° C. to −40° C. or lower (ASTM D97). They are also characterized typically as having viscosity indices of 80 to 140 or greater (ASTM D2270).

In addition, the GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) are typically highly paraffinic (>90% saturates), and may contain mixtures of monocycloparaffins and multicycloparaffins in combination with non-cyclic isoparaffins. The ratio of the naphthenic (i.e., cycloparaffin) content in such combinations varies with the catalyst and temperature used. Further, GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) typically have very low sulfur and nitrogen content, generally containing less than 10 ppm, and more typically less than 5 ppm of each of these elements. The sulfur and nitrogen content of GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) obtained from F-T material, especially F-T wax, is essentially nil. In addition, the absence of phosphorous and aromatics make this materially especially suitable for the formulation of low SAP products.

The term GTL base stock and/or base oil and/or wax isomerate base stock and/or base oil is to be understood as embracing individual fractions of such materials of wide viscosity range as recovered in the production process, mixtures of two or more of such fractions, as well as mixtures of one or two or more low viscosity fractions with one, two or more higher viscosity fractions to produce a blend wherein the blend exhibits a target kinematic viscosity.

The GTL material, from which the GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) is/are derived is preferably an F-T material (i.e., hydrocarbons, waxy hydrocarbons, wax).

In addition, the GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) are typically highly paraffinic (>90% saturates), and may contain mixtures of monocycloparaffins and multicycloparaffins in combination with non-cyclic isoparaffins. The ratio of the naphthenic (i.e., cycloparaffin) content in such combinations varies with the catalyst and temperature used. Further, GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) and hydrodewaxed, or hydroisomerized/cat (and/or solvent) dewaxed base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) typically have very low sulfur and nitrogen content, generally containing less than 10 ppm, and more typically less than 5 ppm of each of these elements. The sulfur and nitrogen content of GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) obtained from F-T material, especially F-T wax, is essentially nil. In addition, the absence of phosphorous and aromatics make this material especially suitable for the formulation of low sulfur, sulfated ash, and phosphorus (low SAP) products.

Base oils for use in the formulated lubricating greases useful in the present disclosure are any of the variety of oils corresponding to API Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV, and Group V oils and mixtures thereof, preferably API Group II, Group III, Group IV, and Group V oils and mixtures thereof, more preferably the Group III to Group V base oils due to their exceptional volatility, stability, viscometric and cleanliness features. Minor quantities of Group I stock, such as the amount used to dilute additives for blending into formulated lube oil products, can be tolerated but should be kept to a minimum, i.e. amounts only associated with their use as diluent/carrier oil for additives used on an “as-received” basis. Even in regard to the Group II stocks, it is preferred that the Group II stock be in the higher quality range associated with that stock, i.e. a Group II stock having a viscosity index in the range 100<VI<120.

The lubricating base oil or base stock constitutes the major component of the grease composition of the present disclosure. One particularly preferred lubricating oil base stock for the inventive grease and the inventive method for improving high temperature bearing performance is a Group I base stock that is included in the formulated oil at from 75 to 95 wt %, or from 80 to 90 wt %, or from 82 to 88 wt %. Another particularly preferred lubricating oil base stock for the inventive lubricating engine oil and the inventive method for improving fuel efficiency, frictional properties and deposit control is a combination of a Group III, Group IV and Group V base stock wherein the combination is included in the formulated oil at from 75 to 95 wt %, or from 80 to 90 wt %, or from 82 to 88 wt %. In this form, the Group III base stock is included at from 30 to 35 wt % or from 32 to 33 wt %, the Group IV base stock at from 45 to 55 wt % or from 48 to 52 wt %, and the Group V base stock at from 0 to 5 wt %, or from 2 to 4 wt %.

Preferred Group III base stocks are GTL and Yubase Plus (hydroprocessed base stock). Preferred Group V base stocks include alkylated naphthalene, synthetic esters and combinations thereof.

Lubricating oils and base stocks are disclosed for example In US. Pub. Nos. 20170211007, 20150344805 and 2015322367.

Grease Thickeners for Use in the Present Disclosure

The compositions of the present disclosure may include a thickener (e.g., a water-insoluble thickener) in a range from about 0.5 to about 20 wt. % (e.g., about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %. For example, the grease composition of the present disclosure may have thickener present in an amount of about 0.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 12.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 7.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 12.5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 7.5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 2.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, about 2.5 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. %, about 2.5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, about 2.5 wt. % to about 12.5 wt. %, about 2.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 2.5 wt. % to about 7.5 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 12.5 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 7.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, about 7.5 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. %, about 7.5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, about 7.5 wt. % to about 12.5 wt. %, about 10 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, about 10 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. %, about 10 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, about 12.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, about 12.5 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. %, or about 15 wt. % to about 20 wt. %.

The grease will contain an essentially water- and oil-insoluble thickener to provide the desired grease consistency and structure (cone penetration, dropping point, etc.). Thickeners may be of the soap or non-soap types. Non-soaps are based on organic or non-organic solids such as bentonite clay, polymers such as the polyureas or silica aerogels and may be used where their particular properties so indicate. For example, thickeners for the present greases are the metal salt/soap thickeners, including the complex soap thickeners based on metals including aluminum, barium, calcium, lithium, sodium. These types of thickeners are well established and are described in numerous publications. See, for example, Boner op cit, Lubricants and Related Products, Klamann, Verlag Chemie, 1984, ISBN 3-527-26022-6, ISBN 0-89573-177-0 to which reference is made for a description of suitable thickeners and the manufacture of grease incorporating them.

Complex grease thickeners are made by combining the conventional metallic soaps with a complexing agent. The soaps may be a metal salt of a long chain fatty acid having from 8 to 24 carbon atoms such as decanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid or stearic acid. The thickener may be a lithium or lithium complex thickener that incorporates a hydroxy fatty acid having from 12 to 24 (e.g., from 16 to 20) carbon atoms. For example, the hydroxy fatty acid may be an hydroxy stearic acid, e.g., 9-hydroxy or 10-hydroxy stearic acid, or 12-hydroxy stearic acid. Other hydroxyl fatty acids which may be used include ricinoleic acid (12-hydoxystearic acid unsaturated at the 9,10 position), 9,10-dihydroxystearic acid, 12-hydroxybehenic acid and 10-hydroxypalmitic acid. The complex salt/soap thickeners are made with a combination of conventional lithium soap such as lithium 12-hydroxystearate and a complexing agent which may vary with the type of thickener, e.g. calcium complex thickeners may be formulated with acetic acid and hydroxy-substituted acids; boric acid may be used with lithium soaps. Low molecular-weight organic acid, typically C₄ to C₁₂ dibasic acids such as glutaric, azelaic, pimelic, suberic, adipic or sebacic acids, are generally favored as the complexing agents with lithium greases. The complexes are formed by the introduction of the complexing agent or its metal salt into the lattice of the metal salt. Examples of metal salt/soap complex thickeners are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,651; 3,940,339; 4,410,435; 4,444,669 and 5,731,274. The complexing agent may be added as the free acid, a salt e.g., the lithium salt or as an ester such as an alkyl ester, e.g. methyl glutarate or methyl adipate, which will undergo hydrolysis to the acid in the presence of the added alkali, e.g. lithium hydroxide, to form the complexing agent. PAO bases may require a higher proportion of thickener than mineral oil base stocks.

The lithium complex thickener used in the grease of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and can be any lithium complex thickener that is known or that becomes known. For example, the lithium complex thickener can comprise a lithium soap derived from a fatty acid having: (a) (i) at least one of an epoxy group, ethylenic unsaturation, or a combination thereof, and (ii) a dilithium salt derived from a straight chain, branched or cyclic dicarboxylic acid; and/or (b) a lithium salt derived from a hydroxy-substituted carboxylic acid, e.g. salicylic acid.

For example, the lithium complex thickener can comprise at least one of: a complex of a lithium soap of a C₁₂ to C₂₄ hydroxy fatty acid and a monolithium salt of boric acid; a lithium salt of a second hydroxy carboxylic acid, such as salicylic acid; or a combination thereof.

The lithium complex thickener can comprise a lithium soap of a C₁₂ to C₂₄ hydroxy fatty acid thickener antioxidant having an alkali metal salt of hydroxy benzoic acid and a dioxime compound. In certain embodiments, the alkali metal salt of hydroxy benzoic acid includes dilithium salicylate.

The lithium complex thickener can be a lithium soap comprising at least one of: a dilithium salt of a C₄ to C₁₂ alkyl, aryl, or alkyl aryl dicarboxylic acid, e.g., dilithium azelate; a lithium soap of a 9-, 10- or 12-hydroxy C₁₂ to C₂₄ fatty acid, e.g., lithium 12-hydroxy stearate; and a lithium salt formed in-situ in the grease from a second hydroxy carboxylic acid, wherein the OH group is attached to a carbon atom not more than 6 carbons removed from the carboxyl group and either of those groups can be attached to aliphatic portions of the materials or aromatic portions of the materials.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex thickener can comprise a complex lithium thickener and at least one of a lithium salt of a C₃ to C₁₄ hydroxy carboxylic acid, a C₃ to C₁₄ dicarboxylic acid, a thiadiazole, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the water insoluble thickener may include at least one of an aluminum soap, a barium soap, a bismuth soap, a calcium soap, a lithium soap, an aluminum salt/soap complex, a barium salt/soap complex, a bismuth salt/soap complex, a calcium salt/soap complex, a lithium salt/soap complex, or a combination thereof (for example, mixed lithium/calcium soaps and salts).

The lubricating greases of the disclosure may contain one or more further additives. Further additives may be present, in each case, from about 0.01 wt %, about 0.1, about 0.5 or about 1 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 5, about 7, about 8, about 10, about 14, about 17, about 20, about 22 or about 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the lubricating grease formulation.

The formulated lubricating grease useful in the present disclosure may additionally contain one or more of the other commonly used lubricant performance additives (also referred to as other grease additives) including but not limited to antiwear agents, dispersants, other detergents, corrosion inhibitors, rust inhibitors, metal deactivators, extreme pressure additives, anti-seizure agents, wax modifiers, viscosity index improvers, viscosity modifiers, fluid-loss additives, seal compatibility agents, organic metallic friction modifiers, lubricity agents, anti-staining agents, chromophoric agents, defoamants, demulsifiers, emulsifiers, densifiers, wetting agents, gelling agents, tackiness agents, colorants, and others. For a review of many commonly used additives, see Klamann in Lubricants and Related Products, Verlag Chemie, Deerfield Beach, Fla.; ISBN 0-89573-177-0.

Reference is also made to “Lubricant Additives” by M. W. Ranney, published by Noyes Data Corporation of Parkridge, N.J. (1973); see also U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,930, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. These additives are commonly delivered with varying amounts of diluent oil that may range from 5 weight percent to 50 weight percent.

The types and quantities of performance additives (also referred to as other grease additives) used in combination with the instant disclosure in lubricant compositions are not limited by the examples shown herein as illustrations.

Co-Thickeners and Rheology Modifiers for Use in the Present Disclosure

Various types of materials can be incorporated into the thickener to modify or improve certain characteristics, such as structural stability, water resistance, oil release, low temperature mobility, high temperature stability, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, or even to reduce the total amount of thickener required to achieve a desired consistency. These materials are commonly known as co-thickeners or rheology modifiers, and may be incorporated into the thickener as it is formed, added to the wet thickener before or during the dehydration step, or added to the dehydrated thickener before or during the incorporation of cut-back oil and additives. Often, the desired improvement in properties is most effective when the co-thickener or rheology modifier is incorporated during the soap-making step.

These materials may be fillers or powders, such as calcium carbonate, graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), rubbers (such as latex and EPDM), granulated elastomer materials, nylon, plasticizers and cellulosic derivatives. Petrolatum, petroleum, microcrystalline waxes and natural waxes can also be incorporated into the thickener. Variants on the type of molecule typically used as the fatty acid in the soap can also be used to improve structural stability and water resistance. An example of this is isostearic acid, which is commercially available from suppliers such as Kraton (“Century™” range of products).

More useful co-thickeners have been developed more recently, and are represented by polymers and co-polymers (including terpolymers, tetrapolymers, and so on) produced from natural sources (resins such as terpenes and terpenols), petrochemical intermediates and synthetic monomers. For example, polymers derived from ethylene, propylene, butylene and isobutylene may be useful to modify thickener properties, especially when the polymer properties are optimized by including a mixture of monomers to form random or block co-polymers. Such polymers may also be configured as linear, branched, or star structures. Examples of such products are commercially available from many suppliers, including Kraton (“Sylvarez™” range of products), Infineum (“SV™” product range), Functional Products Inc. (“V™” product range) and ExxonMobil Chemical Corp (“Vistamaxx™” product line).

More complex polymers can give further improvements, particularly for cohesiveness, water resistance and oil bleed reduction. For example, co-polymers formed from vinyl monomers and dienes can possess a wide range of properties and can be formed from monomers such as isoprene, styrene, butadiene, cyclopentadiene, and longer chain unsaturated hydrocarbons. Interaction with the thickener can be enhanced by the inclusion of other elements (such as nitrogen and oxygen) to introduce points of higher polarity where there is the possibility of hydrogen bonding with the thickener matrix. Unsaturated amines, amides, carboxylic acids, esters (such as alkylmethacrylates), ethers, oxidized ethylene, oxidized propylene and others have been used successfully and can be optimized towards the choice of thickener chemistry.

Polymer properties can also be optimized by the choice of catalyst and production method to control the tacticity of the polymer chain. Properties and interaction with the thickener can also be enhanced by the attachment of functional groups, such as maleic anhydride, to the end of the polymer chain, to form “reactive” polymers. Examples of these types of materials are available commercially from suppliers such as Lubrizol (“Lubrizol™ 2002”, “Lubrizol™ 2006”), and a comprehensive disclosure of the different types of polymer, their composition and manufacturing processes can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,300,288; 8,563,488; and 8,969,266; and in U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2005/0209114.

Thermoplastic resins, thixotropic gels and caulks can also be incorporated into the grease thickener to modify structural stability, water resistance, oil release, rust prevention and anti-wear and extreme pressure performance of the final composition. These types of components are usually based on co-polymers of diamines and alkyl mono- and di-carboxylic acids. By selecting the appropriate combination of monomers, the characteristics of the polymer can be optimized to maximize the desired improvement in thickener and finished grease properties. Examples of these materials are commercially available from suppliers such as Kraton (“Uni-Rez™” range of products) and Elementis (“Thixatrol™” range of products). A more thorough discussion of their composition and properties can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,366, and an example of their use in greases can be found in U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2013/0130953.

Usually, all of the co-thickeners and rheology modifiers discussed above will be used at a fraction of the total thickener content, depending on the choice of material, its chemistry and structure, and the desired improvement in properties. For example, the longer chain polymers may give the best balance of properties when used at a maximum treat rate of less than about 3 mass %, preferably between about 0.1 mass % and about 2 mass %, and most preferably between about 0.25 mass % and about 1 mass %. The smaller molecules (such as the polyamides and isostearic acid) may be more effective at higher treat rates, such as less than about 6 mass %, preferably about 1 mass % to about 5 mass %, and most preferably about 2 mass % to about 4 mass %. The preferred ranges may need to be adjusted, depending on the total thickener content and the efficiency of the thickener formation, to maintain the optimum ratios.

Other Performance Additives for Use in the Present Disclosure

The composition of the present disclosure may include small amounts of at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, or more) other performance additive (also referred to as other grease additives). For example, the composition of the present disclosure may include at least one of anticorrosive agent or corrosion inhibitor, an extreme pressure additive, an antiwear agent, a pour point depressants, an antioxidant or oxidation inhibitor, a rust inhibitor, a metal deactivator, a dispersant, a demulsifier, a dye or colorant/chromophoric agent, a seal compatibility agent, a friction modifier, a viscosity modifier/improver, a viscosity index improver, or combinations thereof. For example, solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide and graphite may be present in the composition of the present disclosure, such as from about 1 to about 5 wt. % (e.g., from about 1.5 to about 3 wt. %) for molybdenum disulfide and from about 3 to about 15 wt. % (e.g., from about 6 to about 12 wt. %) for graphite.

The amounts of individual additives will vary according to the additive and the level of functionality to be provided by it.

The presence or absence of these lubricating oil performance additives (other grease additives) does not adversely affect the compositions of the present disclosure. For a review of many commonly used additives, see Klamann in Lubricants and Related Products, Verlag Chemie, Deerfield Beach, Fla.; ISBN 0 89573 177 0. Reference is also made to “Lubricant Additives” by M. W. Ranney, published by Noyes Data Corporation of Parkridge, N.J. (1973) and “Lubricant Additives: Chemistry and Applications” edited by L. R. Rudnick, published by CRC Press of Boca Raton, Fla. (2009). The performance additives (also referred to as other grease additives) useful in the present disclosure do not have to be soluble in the lubricating oils. Insoluble additives in oil can be dispersed in the lubricating oils of the present disclosure. The types and quantities of performance additives used in combination with the compositions of the present disclosure are not limited by the examples shown herein as illustrations.

As such, in any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition further comprises at least one of anticorrosive agent or corrosion inhibitor, an extreme pressure additive, an antiwear agent, a pour point depressants, an antioxidant or oxidation inhibitor, a rust inhibitor, a metal deactivator, a dispersant, a demulsifier, a dye or colorant/chromophoric agent, a seal compatibility agent, a friction modifier, a viscosity modifier/improver, a viscosity index improver, or combinations thereof. In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the dispersant includes succinimide-type dispersant. Unless specified otherwise, the performance additive or performance additives (also referred to as other grease additives) listed above are present in a total amount equal to or less than about 10 wt. %, equal to or less than about 9.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 9 wt. %, equal to or less than about 8.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 8 wt. %, equal to or less than about 7.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 7 wt. %, equal to or less than about 6.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 6 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.5 wt. %, or equal to or less than about 0.5 wt. %. For example, the performance additive or performance additives (other grease additives) are present in a total amount of about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 9 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 7 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 3 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 1 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 9 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 7 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 3 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 2 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 9 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 7 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, about 1 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 4 wt. %, about 1 to about 3 wt. %, about 2 to about 10 wt. %, about 2 to about 9 wt. %, about 2 to about 8 wt. %, about 2 to about 7 wt. %, about 2 to about 6 wt. %, about 2 to about 5 wt. %, about 2 to about 4 wt. %, about 3 to about 10 wt. %, about 3 to about 9 wt. %, about 3 to about 8 wt. %, about 3 to about 7 wt. %, about 3 to about 6 wt. %, about 3 to about 5 wt. %, about 4 to about 10 wt. %, about 4 to about 9 wt. %, about 4 to about 8 wt. %, about 4 to about 7 wt. %, about 4 to about 6 wt. %, about 5 to about 10 wt. %, about 5 to about 9 wt. %, about 5 to about 8 wt. %, about 5 to about 7 wt. %, about 6 to about 10 wt. %, about 6 to about 9 wt. %, about 6 to about 8 wt. %, about 7 to about 10 wt. %, about 7 to about 9 wt. %, or about 8 to about 10 wt. %.

When the additives are described below by reference to individual components used in the formulation, they will not necessarily be present or identifiable as discrete entities in the final product but may be present as reaction products which are formed during the grease manufacture or even its use. This will depend on the respective chemistries of the ingredients, their stoichiometry, and the temperatures encountered in the grease making process or during its use. It will also depend, naturally enough, on whether or not the species are added as a pre-reacted additive package. For example, the acid amine phosphates may be added as discrete amines and acid phosphates but these may react to form a new entity in the final grease composition under the processing conditions used in the grease manufacture.

Viscosity Improver(s) or Modifier(s).

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one viscosity improver or modifier (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more viscosity improver or modifier). The viscosity improver, viscosity modifier, or Viscosity Index (VI) modifier increases the viscosity of the composition of the present disclosure at elevated temperatures, thereby increasing film thickness, and having limited effects on the viscosity of the composition of the present disclosure at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one viscosity improver (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more viscosity improver(s)). Any viscosity improver that is known or that becomes known in the art may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure. Exemplary viscosity improvers include high molecular weight hydrocarbons, polyesters and viscosity index improver dispersants that function as both a viscosity index improver and a dispersant. The molecular weight of these polymers can range from about 1,000 to about 1,500,000 (e.g., about 20,000 to about 1,200,000 or about 50,000 to about 1,000,000). In a particular embodiment, the molecular weights of these polymers can range from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000 (e.g., about 1,200 to about 500,000 or about 1,200 to about 5,000).

In certain embodiments, the viscosity improver is at least one of linear or star-shaped polymers of methacrylate, linear or star-shaped copolymers of methacrylate, butadiene, olefins, alkylated styrenes, polyisobutylene, polymethacrylate (e.g., copolymers of various chain length alkyl methacrylates), copolymers of ethylene and propylene, hydrogenated block copolymers of styrene and isoprene, or combinations thereof. For example, the viscosity improver may include styrene-isoprene or styrene-butadiene based polymers of about 50,000 to about 200,000 molecular weight.

Olefin copolymers are commercially available from Chevron Oronite Company LLC under the trade designation “PARATONE®” (such as “PARATONE® 8921” and “PARATONE® 8941”); from Afton Chemical Corporation under the trade designation “HiTEC®” (such as “HiTEC® 5850B”); and from The Lubrizol Corporation under the trade designation “Lubrizol® 7067C”. Hydrogenated polyisoprene star polymers are commercially available from Infineum International Limited, e.g., under the trade designation “SV200” and “SV600”. Hydrogenated diene-styrene block copolymers are commercially available from Infineum International Limited, e.g., under the trade designation “SV 50”.

The polymethacrylate or polyacrylate polymers can be linear polymers which are available from Evnoik Industries under the trade designation “Viscoplex®” (e.g., Viscoplex 6-954) or star polymers which are available from Lubrizol Corporation under the trade designation Asteric™ (e.g., Lubrizol 87708 and Lubrizol 87725).

Illustrative vinyl aromatic-containing polymers useful in the present disclosure may be derived predominantly from vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer. Illustrative vinyl aromatic-containing copolymers useful in the present disclosure may be represented by the following formula:

A-B,

wherein: A is a polymeric block derived predominantly from vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, and B is a polymeric block derived predominantly from conjugated diene monomer.

Although their presence is not required to obtain the benefit of the composition of the present disclosure, viscosity modifiers may be used in an amount of less than about 10 weight percent (e.g. less than about 7 weight percent or less than about 4 weight percent). In certain embodiments, the viscosity improver is present in an amount less than 2 weight percent, less than about 1 weight percent, or less than about 0.5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition of the present disclosure. Viscosity modifiers are generally added as concentrates, in large amounts of diluent oil.

As used herein, the viscosity modifier concentrations are given on an “as delivered” basis. The active polymer may be delivered with a diluent oil. The “as delivered” viscosity modifier may contain from about 20 weight percent to about 75 weight percent of an active polymer for polymethacrylate or polyacrylate polymers, or from about 8 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of an active polymer for olefin copolymers, hydrogenated polyisoprene star polymers, or hydrogenated diene-styrene block copolymers, in the “as delivered” polymer concentrate.

Antioxidant(s).

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one antioxidant (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more antioxidant(s)). The antioxidant(s) may be added to retard the oxidative degradation of the composition in storage or during service. Such degradation may result in deposits on metal surfaces, the presence of sludge, or a viscosity increase in the lubricant. One skilled in the art knows a wide variety of oxidation inhibitors that are useful in lubricating oil compositions. See, Klamann in Lubricants and Related Products, op cite, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,798,684 and 5,084,197, for example. Any antioxidant that is known or that becomes known in the art may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure.

Two general types of oxidation inhibitors are those that react with the initiators, peroxy radicals, and hydroperoxides to form inactive compounds, and those that decompose these materials to form less active compounds. Examples are hindered (alkylated) phenols, e.g. 6-di(tert-butyl)-4-methylphenol [2,6-di(tert-butyl)-p-cresol, DBPC], and aromatic amines, e.g. N-phenyl-α-naphthylamine. These oxidation inhibitors are used in turbine, circulation, and hydraulic oils that are intended for extended service.

The antioxidant or antioxidants may be present in an amount equal to or less than about 6 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1 wt. %, equal to or less than about 0.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 0.50 wt. %, or equal to or less than about 0.25 wt. % on an as-received basis. For example, the antioxidant or antioxidants may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 2 wt. % about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 4 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, or about 5 wt. % to about 6 wt. % on an as-received basis.

The below discussion of phenolic antioxidants is presented only by way of example, and is not limiting on the type of phenolic antioxidants that can be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure.

Useful antioxidants include hindered phenols. These phenolic antioxidants may be ashless (metal-free) phenolic compounds or neutral or basic metal salts of certain phenolic compounds. In an embodiment, the phenolic antioxidant compounds or compounds are hindered phenolics which are the ones which contain a sterically hindered hydroxyl group, such as those that are derivatives of dihydroxy aryl compounds in which the hydroxyl groups are in the o- or p-position to each other. In certain embodiments, the phenolic antioxidant or antioxidants are hindered phenols substituted with C6+ alkyl groups and the alkylene coupled derivatives of these hindered phenols. Examples of phenolic materials of this type 2-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; 2-t-butyl-4-octyl phenol; 2-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol; 2-methyl-6-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; and 2-methyl-6-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol. Other useful hindered mono-phenolic antioxidants may include for example hindered 2,6-di-alkyl-phenolic propionic ester derivatives. Bis-phenolic antioxidants may also be advantageously used in combination with the composition of the present disclosure. Examples of ortho-coupled phenols include: 2,2′-bis(4-heptyl-6-t-butyl-phenol); 2,2′-bis(4-octyl-6-t-butyl-phenol); and 2,2′-bis(4-dodecyl-6-t-butyl-phenol). Para-coupled bisphenols include for example 4,4′-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl phenol) and 4,4′-methylene-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl phenol).

Further examples of phenol-based antioxidants include 2-t-butylphenol, 2-t-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-t-butyl-5-methylphenol, 2,4-di-t-butylphenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-t-butylphenol, 2-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 3-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 2,5-di-t-butylhydroquinone (manufactured by the Kawaguchi Kagaku Co. under trade designation “Antage DBH”), 2,6-di-t-butylphenol and 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-alkylphenols such as 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol and 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-ethylphenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-alkoxyphenols such as 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol and 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-ethoxyphenol, 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmercaptoocty-1 acetate, alkyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionates such as n-octyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (manufactured by the Yoshitomi Seiyaku Co. under the trade designation “Yonox SS”), n-dodecyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate and 2′-ethylhexyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate; 2,6-di-t-butyl-alpha-dimethylamino-p-cresol, 2,2′-methylenebis(4-alkyl-6-t-butylphenol) compounds such as 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol) (manufactured by the Kawaguchi Kagaku Co. under the trade designation “Antage W-400”) and 2,2′-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-t-butylphenol) (manufactured by the Kawaguchi Kagaku Co. under the trade designation “Antage W-500”); bisphenols such as 4,4′-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-t-butyl-phenol) (manufactured by the Kawaguchi Kagaku Co. under the trade designation “Antage W-300”), and 4,4′-methylenebis(2,6-di-t-butylphenol) (manufactured by Laporte Performance Chemicals under the trade designation “Ionox 220AH”).

Other examples of phenol-based antioxidants include 4,4′-bis(2,6-di-t-butylphenol), 2,2-(di-p-hydroxyphenyl)propane (Bisphenol A), 2,2-bis(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 4,4′-cyclohexylidenebis(2,6-di-t-butylphenol), hexamethylene glycol bis[3, (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] (manufactured by the Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co. under the trade designation “Irganox L109”), triethylene glycol bis[3-(3-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionate] (manufactured by the Yoshitomi Seiyaku Co. under the trade designation “Tominox 917”), 2,2′-thio[diethyl-3-(3,5-di-t- -butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] (manufactured by the Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co. under the trade designation “Irganox L115”), 3,9-bis{1,1-dimethyl-2-[3-(3-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-propionyloxy]ethyl}2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane (manufactured by the Sumitomo Kagaku Co. under the trade designation “Sumilizer GA80”) and 4,4′-thiobis(3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol) (manufactured by the Kawaguchi Kagaku Co. under the trade designation “Antage RC”), 2,2′-thiobis(4,6-di-t-butylresorcinol); polyphenols, such as tetrakis[methylene-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionato]methane (manufactured by the Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co. under the trade designation “Irganox L101”), 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylpheny-1)butane (manufactured by the Yoshitomi Seiyaku Co. under the trade designation “Yoshinox 930”), 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals under the trade designation “Irganox 330”), bis[3,3′-bis(4′-hydroxy-3′-t-butylpheny-1)butyric acid] glycol ester, 2-(3′,5′-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-methyl-4-(2″,4″-di-t-butyl-3″-hydroxyphenyl)methyl-6-t-butylphenol and 2,6-bis(2′-hydroxy-3′-t-butyl-5′-methylbenzyl)-4-methylphenol; and phenol/aldehyde condensates, such as the condensates of p-t-butylphenol and formaldehyde and the condensates of p-t-butylphenol and acetaldehyde.

The phenolic antioxidant or phenolic type antioxidant include sulfurized and non-sulfurized phenolic antioxidants. Phenolic antioxidants include compounds having one or more than one hydroxyl group bound to an aromatic ring which may itself be mononuclear (e.g., benzyl) or poly-nuclear (e.g., naphthyl and spiro aromatic compounds). Thus, phenol type antioxidants include phenol per se, catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, naphthol, etc., as well as alkyl or alkenyl and sulfurized alkyl or alkenyl derivatives thereof, and bisphenol type compounds including such bi-phenol compounds linked by alkylene bridges sulfuric bridges or oxygen bridges. Alkyl phenols may include mono- and poly-alkyl or alkenyl phenols, the alkyl or alkenyl group containing from about 3 to about 100 carbons (e.g., about 4 to about 50 carbons) and sulfurized derivatives thereof. The number of alkyl or alkenyl groups present in the aromatic ring may range from 1 up to the available unsatisfied valences of the aromatic ring remaining after counting the number of hydroxyl groups bound to the aromatic ring.

For example, the phenolic antioxidant may be represented by the following formula:

(R)_(x)—Ar—(OH)_(y),

wherein: Ar is selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: R is a C₃-C₁₀₀ alkyl or alkenyl group, a sulfur substituted alkyl or alkenyl group (e.g., a C₄-C₅₀ alkyl or alkenyl group or sulfur substituted alkyl or alkenyl group, a C₃-C₁₀₀ alkyl or sulfur substituted alkyl group, or a C₄-C₅₀ alkyl group); R^(g) is a C₁-C₁₀₀ alkylene or sulfur substituted alkylene group (e.g., a C₂-C₅₀ alkylene or sulfur substituted alkylene group or a C₂-C₂ alkylene or sulfur substituted alkylene group); y is at least 1 to up to the available valences of Ar; x ranges from 0 to up to the available valances of Ar-y; z ranges from 1 to 10; n ranges from 0 to 20; m is 0 to 4; and p is 0 or 1.

In certain embodiments, at least one of: R is C₄-C₅₀ alkyl group, R^(g) is a C₂-C₂₀ alkylene or sulfur substituted alkylene group, y ranges from 1 to 3, x ranges from 0 to 3, z ranges from 1 to 4, n ranges from 0 to 5, p is 0, or a combination thereof.

In particular embodiments, the phenolic antioxidant include hindered phenolics and phenolic esters that contain a sterically hindered hydroxyl group. For example, the phenolic antioxidant can include derivatives of dihydroxy aryl compounds in which the hydroxyl groups are in the o- or p-position to each other. The phenolic antioxidant may include the hindered phenols substituted with C₁+ alkyl groups and the alkylene coupled derivatives of these hindered phenols, such as: 2-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; 2-t-butyl-4-octyl phenol; 2-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol; 2-methyl-6-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; 2-methyl-6-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4 methyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-ethyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl 4 alkoxy phenol; and/or

In certain embodiments, the phenolic type antioxidant is at least one of Ethanox® 4710, Irganox® 1076, Irganox® L1035, Irganox® 1010, Irganox® L109, Irganox® L118, Irganox® L135, or a combination thereof.

The phenolic antioxidant or antioxidants may be present in an amount of about 0.05 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. % to about 2.5 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. % to about 0.3 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 2.5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.3 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 2.5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 1.75 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 1.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 1.5 wt. % to about 2.5 wt. %, about 1.5 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 2.5 wt. %, or about 2.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, on an as-received basis.

Effective amounts of one or more catalytic antioxidants may be used. The catalytic antioxidants comprise an effective amount of a) one or more oil soluble polymetal organic compounds; and, effective amounts of b) one or more substituted N,N′-diaryl-o-phenylenediamine compounds or c) one or more hindered phenol compounds; or a combination of both b) and c). Catalytic antioxidants are more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,048,833, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Non-phenolic oxidation inhibitors that may be used in the composition of the present disclosure include aromatic amine antioxidants, which may be used either as such or in combination with phenolic antioxidants.

An exemplary aromatic amine antioxidant include alkylated and non-alkylated aromatic amines, such as aromatic monoamines of the formula

R¹R²R³N,

wherein: R¹ is an aliphatic, aromatic or substituted aromatic group; R² is an aromatic or a substituted aromatic group; R³ is H, alkyl, aryl or R⁴S(O)_(x)R⁵; R⁴ is an alkylene, alkenylene, or aralkylene group; R⁵ is a higher alkyl group, or an alkenyl, aryl, or alkaryl group; and x is 0, 1 or 2.

The aliphatic group R¹ may contain from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms (e.g. from about 6 to 12 carbon atoms). The aliphatic group may be a saturated aliphatic group. In certain embodiments, both R¹ and R² are aromatic or substituted aromatic groups, and the aromatic group may be a fused ring aromatic group such as naphthyl. Aromatic groups R¹ and R² may be joined together with other groups such as S.

The aminic antioxidant may be an aromatic amine antioxidant, such as an phenyl-α-naphthyl amine (e.g., Irganox® L06) which is described by the following chemical structure:

wherein: R^(z) is hydrogen or a C₁ to C₁₄ linear or C₃ to C₁₄ branched alkyl group; and n is an integer ranging from 1 to 5 (e.g. 1).

In certain embodiments, at least one of: R^(z) is C₁ to C₁₀ linear or C₃ to C₁₀ branched alkyl group; n is 1; or a combination thereof,

In another embodiment, R^(z) is a linear or branched C₆ to C₈.

In certain embodiments, the aromatic amine antioxidant can have at least 6 carbon atoms substituted with an alkyl groups. Examples of aliphatic groups include hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, and decyl. In an embodiments, the aliphatic groups will not contain more than about 14 carbon atoms. Additional amine antioxidants include diphenylamines, phenyl naphthylamines, phenothiazines, imidodibenzyls, and diphenyl phenylene diamines. In a particular embodiment, a mixture of two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) aromatic amine antioxidants are present in the composition of the present disclosure. Polymeric amine antioxidants can also be used. Particular examples of aromatic amine antioxidants useful in the composition of the present disclosure include: p,p′-dioctyldiphenylamine; t-octylphenyl-alpha-naphthylamine; phenyl-alphanaphthylamine; and p-octylphenyl-alpha-naphthylamine.

Further examples of amine-based antioxidants include dialkyldiphenylamines, such as p,p′-dioctyldiphenylamine (manufactured by the Seiko Kagaku Co. under the trade designation “Nonflex OD-3”), p,p′-di-alpha-methylbenzyl-diphenylamine and N-p-butylphenyl-N-p′-octylphenylamine; monoalkyldiphenylamines, such as mono-t-butyldiphenylamine, and monooctyldiphenylamine; bis(dialkylphenyl)amines such as di(2,4-diethylphenyl)amine and di(2-ethyl-4-nonylphenyl)amine; alkylphenyl-1-naphthylamines, such as octylphenyl-1-naphthylamine and N-t-dodecylphenyl-1-naphthylamine; arylnaphthylamines, such as 1-naphthylamine, phenyl-1-naphthylamine, phenyl-2-naphthylamine, N-hexylphenyl-2-naphthylamine and N-octylphenyl-2-naphthylamine, phenylenediamines such as N,N′-diisopropyl-p-phenylenediamine and N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, and phenothiazines such as phenothiazine (manufactured by the Hodogaya Kagaku Co.: Phenothiazine) and 3,7-dioctylphenothiazine.

A sulfur-containing antioxidant may be any and every antioxidant containing sulfur, for example, including dialkyl thiodipropionates such as dilauryl thiodipropionate and distearyl thiodipropionate, dialkyldithiocarbamic acid derivatives (excluding metal salts), bis(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)sulfide, mercaptobenzothiazole, reaction products of phosphorus pentoxide and olefins, and dicetyl sulfide. For example, the sulfur-containing antioxidant is a dialkyl thiodipropionate, such as dilauryl thiodipropionate and distearyl thiodipropionate.

Additional examples of sulphur-based antioxidants include dialkylsulphides, such as didodecylsulphide and dioctadecylsulphide; thiodipropionic acid esters, such as didodecyl thiodipropionate, dioctadecyl thiodipropionate, dimyristyl thiodipropionate and dodecyloctadecyl thiodipropionate, and 2-mercaptobenzimidazole. In an embodiment, the antioxidant is a sulfurized alkyl phenols, or an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure includes at least one aminic antioxidant (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) present in an amount equal to or less than about 6 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1 wt. %, equal to or less than about 0.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 0.50 wt. %, or equal to or less than about 0.25 wt. % on an as-received basis. For example, the aminic antioxidant or antioxidants may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 4 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, or about 5 wt. % to about 6 wt. % on an as-received basis.

Other oxidation inhibitors that have proven useful in compositions of the present disclosure are chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorinated wax; organic sulfides and polysulfides such as benzyl disulfide, bis(chlorobenzyl)disulfide, dibutyl tetrasulfide, sulfurized methyl ester of oleic acid, sulfurized alkylphenol, sulfurized dipentene, and sulfurized terpene; phosphosulfurized hydrocarbons such as the reaction product of a phosphorus sulfide with turpentine or methyl oleate, phosphorus esters including principally dihydrocarbon and trihydrocarbon phosphites such as dibutyl phosphite, diheptyl phosphite, dicyclohexyl phosphite, pentylphenyl phosphite, dipentylphenyl phosphite, tridecyl phosphite, distearyl phosphite, dimethyl naphthyl phosphite, oleyl 4-pentylphenyl phosphite, polypropylene (molecular weight 500)-substituted phenyl phosphite, diisobutyl-substituted phenyl phosphite; metal thiocarbamates, such as zinc dioctyldithiocarbamate, and barium heptylphenyl dithiocarbamate; Group II metal phosphorodithioates such as zinc dicyclohexylphosphorodithioate, zinc dioctylphosphorodithioate, barium di(heptylphenyl)(phosphorodithioate, cadmium dinonylphosphorodithioate, and the reaction of phosphorus pentasulfide with an equimolar mixture of isopropyl alcohol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, and n-hexyl alcohol.

Another class of antioxidants which may be used in the lubricating oil compositions disclosed herein are oil soluble copper compounds. Any oil soluble suitable copper compound may be blended into the composition of the present disclosure. Examples of suitable copper antioxidants include copper dihydrocarbyl thio- or dithio-phosphates and copper salts of carboxylic acid (naturally occurring or synthetic). Other suitable copper salts include copper dithiacarbamates, sulphonates, phenates, and acetylacetonates. Basic, neutral, or acidic copper Cu(I) and or Cu(II) salts derived from alkenyl succinic acids or anhydrides are known to be particularly useful.

In an embodiment, the antioxidant includes hindered phenols, arylamines, or a combination thereof. These antioxidants may be used individually by type or in combination with one another.

Pour Point Depressant(s).

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, or more) pour point depressant or a lube oil flow improver. Pour point depressant may be added to lower the minimum temperature at which the fluid will flow or can be poured. Any pour point depressant or lube oil flow improved that is known or that becomes known in the art may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the pour point depressant includes at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more) pour point depressant or lube oil flow improver, such as at least one of alkylated naphthalenes polymethacrylates (e.g., copolymers of various chain length alkyl methacrylates), polyacrylates, polyarylamides, condensation products of haloparaffin waxes and aromatic compounds, vinyl carboxylate polymers, terpolymers of dialkylfumarates, vinyl esters of fatty acids, allyl vinyl ethers, or combinations thereof. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,815,022; 2,015,748; 2,191,498; 2,387,501; 2,655, 479; 2,666,746; 2,721,877; 2,721,878; and 3,250,715 describe useful pour point depressants and/or the preparation thereof. The pour point depressant or depressants may be present in an amount equal to or less than about 5 wt. %, for example about 0.01 to about 1.5 wt. %. For example, the pour point depressant or depressants may be present in an amount equal to or less than about 5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 4 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 3 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 2 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.5 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1.25 wt. %, equal to or less than about 1 wt. %, equal to or less than about 0.75 wt. %, equal to or less than about 0.50 wt. %, or equal to or less than about 0.25 wt. % of the composition of the present disclosure. For example, the pour point depressant or depressants may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, or about 3 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of the composition of the present disclosure.

Seal Compatibility Agent(s).

In other embodiments, the composition comprises of the present disclosure at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) seal compatibility agent. The seal compatibility agent(s) may be added to help swell elastomeric seals by causing a chemical reaction in the fluid or physical change in the elastomer. Any seal compatibility agent that is known or that becomes know may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure. For example, the seal compatibility agent or agents may include at least one of organic phosphates, aromatic esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, esters (e.g. butylbenzyl phthalate), polybutenyl succinic anhydride, or sulfolane-type seal swell agents (e.g. Lubrizol 730-type seal swell additives), or combinations thereof. Although their presence is not required to obtain the benefit of the present disclosure, seal compatibility additives may be present in an amount of zero to about 3 weight percent (e.g., about 0.01 to about 2 weight percent) of the composition of the present disclosure.

Demulsifier(s).

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4, or more) demulsifier. The demulsifier may be added to separate emulsions (e.g., water-in-oil). Any demulsifier that is known or that becomes know may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure. An illustrative demulsifying component is described in EP-A-330,522. This exemplary demulsifying agent is obtained by reacting an alkylene oxide with an adduct obtained by reaction of a bis-epoxide with a polyhydric alcohol. Demulsifiers are commercially available and may be used in conventional minor amounts along with other additives such as antifoam agents. Although their presence is not required to obtain the benefit of the present disclosure, the emulsifier or emulsifiers may be present a combined amount less than 1 weight percent (e.g. less than 0.1 weight percent).

In certain embodiments, the demulsifying agent includes at least one of alkoxylated phenols, phenol-formaldehyde resins, synthetic alkylaryl sulfonates (such as metallic dinonylnaphthalene sulfonates), or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, a demulsifing agent is a predominant amount of a water-soluble polyoxyalkylene glycol having a pre-selected molecular weight of any value in the range of between about 450 and about 5000 or more. In an embodiment, the water soluble polyoxyalkylene glycol demulsifier may also be one produced from alkoxylation of n-butanol with a mixture of alkylene oxides to form a random alkoxylated product.

Polyoxyalkylene glycols useful in the present disclosure may be produced by a well-known process for preparing polyalkylene oxide having hydroxyl end-groups by subjecting an alcohol or a glycol ether and one or more alkylene oxide monomers, such as ethylene oxide, butylene oxide, or propylene oxide, to form block copolymers in addition polymerization, while employing a strong base, such as potassium hydroxide as a catalyst. In such a process, the polymerization is commonly carried out under a catalytic concentration of about 0.3 to about 1.0% by mole of potassium hydroxide to the monomer(s) and at high temperature of about 100° C. to about 160° C. It is well known that the catalyst potassium hydroxide is, for the most part, bonded to the chain-end of the produced polyalkylene oxide in a form of alkoxide in the polymer solution so obtained.

The soluble polyoxyalkylene glycol emulsifier(s) useful in the compositions of the present disclosure may also be one produced from alkoxylation of n-butanol with a mixture of alkylene oxides to form a random alkoxylated product.

Corrosion Inhibitor or Anti-Rust Additive.

In any aspect or embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) corrosion inhibitor or anti-rust additive. The corrosion inhibitor or anti-rust additive may be added to protect lubricated metal surfaces against chemical attack by water or other contaminants. A wide variety of corrosion inhibitors are commercially available, and any corrosion inhibitor or anti-rust additive that is known or that becomes know may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the corrosion inhibitor can be a polar compound that wets the metal surface protecting it with a film of oil. In another embodiment, the anti-rust additive may absorb water by incorporating it in a water-in-oil emulsion so that only the oil touches the surface. In yet a further embodiment, the corrosion inhibitor chemically adheres to the metal to produce a non-reactive surface. In certain embodiments, the anti-rust additive or corrosion inhibitor includes at least one of zinc dithiophosphates, metal phenolates, metal sulfonates, metal salicylates, a fatty acid, fatty acid mixture, amines, or a combination thereof.

The metal phenolates, sulfonates and salicylates may include those containing short (C₁ to about C₂₀), medium (about C₂₀ to about C₄₀), and long (about C₄₀ or longer) alkyl or alkenyl chains, which may also contain additional elements, such as oxygen, nitrogen or phosphorus. The metal phenolates, sulfonates and salicylates may be salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals, and may be generally classified as “Neutral” (TBN lower than about 20 mgKOH/g), or “Overbased” with addition metal hydroxide or carbonate (giving TBN values from about 10 to about 100, from about 100 to about 250, and higher than 250).

Antirust additives may include (short-chain) alkenyl succinic acids, partial esters thereof and nitrogen-containing derivatives thereof and synthetic alkarylsulfonates, such as metal dinonylnaphthalene sulfonates. Antirust agents include, for example, monocarboxylic acids which have from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, alkyl or alkenyl succinates or partial esters thereof, hydroxy-fatty acids, which have from 12 to 30 carbon atoms and derivatives thereof, sarcosines which have from 8 to 24 carbon atoms and derivatives thereof, amino acids and derivatives thereof, naphthenic acid and derivatives thereof, lanolin fatty acid, mercapto-fatty acids, and/or paraffin oxides.

Examples of monocarboxylic acids (C₈-C₃₀), include, for example, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachic acid, behenic acid, cerotic acid, montanic acid, melissic acid, oleic acid, docosanic acid, erucic acid, eicosenic acid, beef tallow fatty acid, soy bean fatty acid, coconut oil fatty acid, linolic acid, linoleic acid, tall oil fatty acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, laurylsarcosinic acid, myritsylsarcosinic acid, palmitylsarcosinic acid, stearylsarcosinic acid, oleylsarcosinic acid, alkylated (C8-C20) phenoxyacetic acids, lanolin fatty acid, and C8-C24 mercapto-fatty acids.

Examples of polybasic carboxylic acids include, for example, the alkenyl (C10-C100) succinic acids indicated in CAS No. 27859-58-1 and ester derivatives thereof, dimer acid, N-acyl-N-alkyloxyalkyl aspartic acid esters (U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,749).

Examples of the alkylamines that function as antirust additives or as reaction products with the above carboxylates to give amides and the like are represented by primary amines, such as laurylamine, coconut-amine, n-tridecylamine, myristylamine, n-pentadecylamine, palmitylamine, n-heptadecylamine, stearylamine, n-nonadecylamine, n-eicosylamine, n-heneicosylamine, n-docosylamine, n-tricosylamine, n-pentacosylamine, oleylamine, beef tallow-amine, hydrogenated beef tallow-amine and soy bean-amine. Examples of the secondary amines include dilaurylamine, di-coconut-amine, di-n-tridecylamine, dimyristylamine, di-n-pentadecylamine, dipalmitylamine, di-n-pentadecylamine, distearylamine, di-n-nonadecylamine, di-n-eicosylamine, di-n-heneicosylamine, di-n-docosylamine, di-n-tricosylamine, di-n-pentacosyl-amine, dioleylamine, di-beef tallow-amine, di-hydrogenated beef tallow-amine and di-soy bean-amine.

Examples of the aforementioned N-alkylpolyalkyenediamines include: ethylenediamines, such as laurylethylenediamine, coconut ethylenediamine, n-tridecylethylenediamine-myristylethylenediamine, n-pentadecylethylenediamine, palmitylethylenediamine, n-heptadecylethylenediamine, stearylethylenediamine, n-nonadecylethylenediamine, n-eicosylethylenediamine, n-heneicosylethylenediamine, n-docosylethylendiamine, n-tricosylethylenediamine, n-pentacosylethylenediamine, oleylethylenediamine, beef tallow-ethylenediamine, hydrogenated beef tallow-ethylenediamine and soy bean-ethylenediamine; propylenediamines such as laurylpropylenediamine, coconut propylenediamine, n-tridecylpropylenediamine, myristylpropylenediamine, n-pentadecylpropylenediamine, palmitylpropylenediamine, n-heptadecylpropylenediamine, stearylpropylenediamine, n-nonadecylpropylenediamine, n-ei cosylpropylenediamine, n-heneicosylpropylenediamine, n-docosylpropylendiamine, n-tricosylpropylenediamine, n-pentacosylpropylenediamine, diethylene triamine (DETA) or triethylene tetramine (TETA), oleylpropylenediamine, beef tallow-propylenediamine, hydrogenated beef tallow-propylenediamine and soy bean-propylenediamine; butylenediamines such as laurylbutylenediamine, coconut butylenediamine, n-tridecylbutylenediamine-myristylbutylenediamine, n-pentadecylbutylenediamine, stearylbutylenediamine, n-eicosylbutylenediamine, n-heneicosylbutylenediamine, n-docosylbutylendiamine, n-tricosylbutylenediamine, n-pentacosylbutylenediamine, oleylbutylenediamine, beef tallow-butylenediamine, hydrogenated beef tallow-butylenediamine and soy bean butylenediamine; and pentylenediamines such as laurylpentylenediamine, coconut pentylenediamine, myristylpentylenediamine, palmitylpentylenediamine, stearylpentylenediamine, oleyl-pentylenediamine, beef tallow-pentylenediamine, hydrogenated beef tallow-pentylenediamine and soy bean pentylenediamine.

The corrosion inhibitor or anti-rust additive may be present in an amount equal to or less than about 5 wt. %, for example about 0.01 to 5 wt. %, on an as-received basis. For example, the corrosion inhibitor may be present in an amount equal to or less than 4 wt. %, equal or less than 3 wt. %, equal to or less than 2 wt. %, or equal to or less than 1 wt. % on an as-received basis. By way of further example, the corrosion inhibitor may be present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 3 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 3 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 3 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 2 wt. %, about 1 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 4 wt. %, about 1 to about 3 wt. %, about 2 to about 5 wt. %, about 2 to about 4 wt. %, or about 3 to about 5 wt. %, on an as-received basis.

Metal Passivator(s), Deactivator(s) and Corrosion Inhibitor(s).

In any aspect or embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, or more) metal passivator, deactivator, or corrosion inhibitor. This type of component includes 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazoles and derivatives thereof, mercaptobenzothiazoles, alkyltriazoles and benzotriazoles. Examples of dibasic acids useful as anti-corrosion agents, other than sebacic acids, which may be used in the present disclosure, are adipic acid, azelaic acid, dodecanedioic acid, 3-methyladipic acid, 3-nitrophthalic acid, 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid, and fumaric acid. The anti-corrosion combination is a straight or branch-chained, saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid or ester thereof which may optionally be sulphurized in an amount up to 35% by weight. In an embodiment, the acid is a C₄ to C₂₂ straight chain unsaturated monocarboxylic acid. The monocarboxylic acid may be a sulphurized oleic acid. However, other suitable materials are oleic acid itself, valeric acid and erucic acid. A component of the anti-corrosion combination is a triazole as previously defined. In an embodiment, the triazole is tolylotriazole, which may be included in the compositions of the disclosure include triazoles, thiazoles and certain diamine compounds which are useful as metal deactivators or metal passivators. Examples include triazole, benzotriazole and substituted benzotriazoles, such as alkyl substituted derivatives. The alkyl substituent may contain up to 1.5 carbon atoms, e.g. up to 8 carbon atoms. The triazoles may contain other substituents on the aromatic ring such as halogens, nitro, amino, mercapto, etc. Examples of suitable compounds are benzotriazole and the tolyltriazoles, ethylbenzotriazoles, hexylbenzotriazoles, octylbenzotriazoles, chlorobenzotriazoles and nitrobenzotriazoles. In a particular embodiment, the compound is benzotriazole and/or tolyltriazole.

Illustrative substituents include, for example, alkyl that is straight or branched chain, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-octadecyl or n-eicosyl; alkenyl that is straight or branched chain, for example, prop-2-enyl, but-2-enyl, 2-methyl-prop-2-enyl, pent-2-enyl, hexa-2,4-dienyl, dec-10-enyl or eicos-2-enyl; cycloalkyl that is, for example, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl, adamantyl or cyclododecyl; aralkyl that is, for example, benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, benzhydryl or naphthylmethyl; aryl that is, for example, phenyl or naphthyl; heterocyclic group that is, for example, a morpholine, pyrrolidine, piperidine or a perhydroazepine ring; alkylene moieties that include, for example, methylene, ethylene, 1:2- or 1:3-propylene, 1:4-butylene, 1:6-hexylene, 1:8-octylene, 1:10-decylene and 1:12-dodecylene.

Illustrative arylene moieties include, for example, phenylene and naphthylene. 1-(or 4)-(dimethylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(diethylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-isopropylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-n-butylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-n-hexylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-isooctylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-(2-ethylhexyl)aminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-n-decylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-n-dodecylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-n-octadecylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-n-eicosylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-[di-(prop-2′-enyl)aminomethyl] triazole, 1-(or 4)-[di-(but-2′-enyl)aminomethyl] triazole, 1-(or 4)-[di-(eicos-2′-enyl)aminomethyl] triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-cyclohexylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-benzylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-phenylaminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(4′-morpholinomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(1′-pyrrolidinomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(1′-piperidinomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(1′-perhydoroazepinomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(2′,2″-dihydroxyethyl)aminomethyl] triazole, 1-(or 4)-(dibutoxypropyl-aminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(dibutylthiopropyl-aminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or 4)-(di-butylaminopropyl-aminomethyl) triazole, 1-(or-4)-(1-methanomine)-N,N-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-methyl benzotriazole, N,N-bis-(1- or 4-triazolylmethyl) laurylamine, N,N-bis-(1- or 4-triazolylmethyl) oleylamine, N,N-bis-(1- or 4-triazolylmethyl) ethanolamine and N,N,N′,N′-tetra(1- or 4-triazolylmethyl) ethylene diamine.

The metal deactivating agents which can be used in the composition of the present disclosure includes, for example, benzotriazole and the 4-alkylbenzotriazoles such as 4-methylbenzotriazole and 4-ethylbenzotriazole; 5-alkylbenzotriazoles such as 5-methylbenzotriazole, 5-ethylbenzotriazole; 1-alkylbenzotriazoles such as 1-dioctylauainomethyl-2,3-benzotriazole; benzotriazole derivatives such as the 1-alkyltolutriazoles, for example, 1-dioctylaminomethyl-2,3-t-olutriazole; benzimidazole and benzimidazole derivatives such as 2-(alkyldithio)-benzimidazoles, for example, such as 2-(octyldithio)-benzimidazole, 2-(decyldithio)benzimidazole and 2-(dodecyldithio)-benzimidazole; 2-(alkyldithio)-toluimidazoles such as 2-(octyldithio)-toluimidazole, 2-(decyldithio)-toluimidazole and 2-(dodecyldithio)-toluimidazole; indazole and indazole derivatives of toluimidazoles such as 4-alkylindazole, 5-alkylindazole; benzothiazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole derivatives (manufactured by the Chiyoda Kagaku Co. under the trade designation “Thiolite B-3100”) and 2-(alkyldithio)benzothiazoles such as 2-(hexyldithio)benzothiazole and 2-(octyldithio)benzothiazole; 2-(alkyl-dithio)toluthiazoles such as 2-(benzyldithio)toluthiazole and 2-(octyldithio)toluthiazole, 2-(N,N-dialkyldithiocarbamyl)benzothiazoles such as 2-(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamyl)benzothiazole, 2-(N,N-dibutyl dithiocarbamyl)-benzotriazole and 2-N,N-dihexyl-dithiocarbamyl)benzotriazole; benzothiazole derivatives of 2-(N,N-dialkyldithiocarbamyl)toluthiazoles such as 2-(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamyl)toluthiazole, 2-(N,N-dibutyldithiocarbamyl)toluthiazole, 2-(N,N-dihexyl-dithiocarbamyl)-toluthiazole; 2-(alkyldithio)benzoxazoles such as 2-(octyldithio)benzoxazole, 2-(decyldithio)-benzoxazole and 2-(dodecyldithio)benzoxazole; benzoxazole derivatives of 2-(alkyldithio)toluoxazoles such as 2-(octyldithio)toluoxazole, 2-(decyldithio)toluoxazole, 2-(dodecyldithio)toluoxazole; 2,5-bis(alkyldithio)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles such as 2,5-bis(heptyldithio)-1,3,4-thiadiazole, 2,5-bis-(nonyldithio)-1,-3,4-thiadiazole, 2,5-bis(dodecyldithio)-1,3,4-thiadiazole and 2,5-bis-(octadecyldithio)-1,3,4-thiadiazole; 2,5-bis(N,N-dialkyl-dithiocarbamyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles such as 2,5-bis(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamyl)-1,3,-4-thiadiazole, 2,5-bis(N,N-dibutyldithiocarbamyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole and 2,5-bis(N,N-dioctyldithiocarbamyl)1,3,4-thiadiazole; thiadiazole derivatives of 2-N,N-dialkyldithiocarbamyl-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazoles such as 2-N,N-dibutyldithiocarbamyl-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole and 2-N,N-dioctyl-dithiocarbamyl-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, and triazole derivatives of 1-alkyl-2,4-triazoles such as 1-dioctylaminomethyl-2,4-triazole; or concentrates and/or mixtures thereof.

Although their presence is not required to obtain the benefit of the present disclosure, the metal deactivator(s) and corrosion inhibitor(s) may be present from zero to about 1% by weight (e.g. from 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight) of the total composition of the present disclosure.

Antiwear Additive(s) or Inhibitor(s).

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, or more) antiwear additive or wear inhibitor. Any antiwear additive that is known or that becomes known may be utilized in the lubricating of the present disclosure. The antiwear additive may be an alkyldithiophosphate(s), aryl phosphate(s) and/or phosphite(s). The antiwear additive(s) may be essentially free of metals, or they may contain metal salts.

In certain embodiments, the antiwear additive is a phosphate ester or salt thereof. A phosphate ester or salt may be a monohydrocarbyl, dihydrocarbyl or a trihydrocarbyl phosphate, wherein each hydrocarbyl group is saturated. In an embodiment, each hydrocarbyl group independently contains from about 8 to about 30, or from about 12 up to about 28, or from about 14 up to about 24, or from about 14 up to about 18 carbons atoms. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbyl groups are alkyl groups. Examples of hydrocarbyl groups include at least one of tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl groups, and mixtures thereof.

A phosphate ester or salt is a phosphorus acid ester prepared by reacting at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) phosphorus acid or anhydride with a saturated alcohol. The phosphorus acid or anhydride cam be an inorganic phosphorus reagent, such as phosphorus pentoxide, phosphorus trioxide, phosphorus tetroxide, phosphorous acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorus halide, lower phosphorus esters, or a phosphorus sulfide, including phosphorus pentasulfide, and the like. Lower phosphorus acid esters may contain from 1 to about 7 carbon atoms in each ester group. Alcohols used to prepare the phosphorus acid esters or salts. Examples of commercially available alcohols and alcohol mixtures include Alfol 1218 (a mixture of synthetic, primary, straight-chain alcohols containing 12 to 18 carbon atoms); Alfol 20+ alcohols (mixtures of C18-C28 primary alcohols having mostly C₂₀ alcohols as determined by GLC (gas-liquid-chromatography)); and Alfol22+ alcohols (C18-C28 primary alcohols containing primarily C22 alcohols). Alfol alcohols are available from, e.g., Continental Oil Company. Another example of a commercially available alcohol mixture is Adol 60 (about 75% by weight of a straight chain C22 primary alcohol, about 15% of a C20 primary alcohol, and about 8% of C18 and C24 alcohols). The Adol alcohols are marketed by Ashland Chemical.

The antiwear additive may include at least one (e.g., a mixture of) monohydric fatty alcohol. For example, a mixture of monohydric fatty alcohols derived from naturally occurring triglycerides and ranging in chain length from C8 to C18 may be utilized as an antiwear additive. A variety of monohydric fatty alcohol mixtures are available from Procter & Gamble Company. These mixtures contain various amounts of fatty alcohols containing 12, 14, 16, or 18 carbon atoms. For example, CO-1214 is a fatty alcohol mixture containing 0.5% of C10 alcohol, 66.0% of C12 alcohol, 26.0% of C14 alcohol and 6.5% of C16 alcohol.

Another group of commercially available alcohol mixtures include the “Neodol” products available from Shell Chemical Co. For example, Neodol 23 is a mixture of C12 and C13 alcohols; Neodol 25 is a mixture of C12 to C15 alcohols; and Neodol 45 is a mixture of C14 to C15 linear alcohols. The phosphate contains from about 14 to about 18 carbon atoms in each hydrocarbyl group. The hydrocarbyl groups of the phosphate may be derived from a mixture of fatty alcohols having from about 14 up to about 18 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbyl phosphate may also be derived from a fatty vicinal diol. Fatty vicinal diols include, but not limited to, those available from Ashland Oil under the general trade designation Adol 114 and Adol 158. The former is derived from a straight chain alpha olefin fraction of C₁₁-C₁₄, and the latter is derived from a C₁₅-C₁₈ fraction.

Phosphate salts may be prepared by reacting an acidic phosphate ester with an amine compound or a metallic base to form an amine or a metal salt. The amines may be monoamines or polyamines. Useful amines include those amines disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,435.

Illustrative monoamines may contain a hydrocarbyl group, which contains from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, or from 1 to about 12, or from 1 to about 6. Examples of primary monoamines useful in the present disclosure include methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, butylamine, cyclopentylamine, cyclohexylamine, octylamine, dodecylamine, allylamine, cocoamine, stearylamine, and laurylamine. Examples of secondary monoamines include dimethylamine, diethylamine, dipropylamine, dibutylamine, dicyclopentylamine, dicyclohexylamine, methylbutylamine, ethylhexylamine, etc.

An amine may be a fatty (C₈-C₃₀) amine which includes n-octylamine, n-decylamine, n-dodecylamine, n-tetradecylamine, n-hexadecylamine, n-octadecylamine, oleyamine, etc. Also useful fatty amines include commercially available fatty amines, such as “Armeen” amines (products available from Akzo Chemicals, Chicago, Ill.), e.g. Armeen C, Armeen O, Armeen OL, Armeen T, Armeen HT, Armeen S and Armeen SD, wherein the letter designation relates to the fatty group, such as coco, oleyl, tallow, or stearyl groups.

Other useful amines include primary ether amines, such as those represented by the formula:

R″(OR′)×NH₂,

wherein: R′ is a divalent alkylene group having about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms; x is a number from one to about 150, or from about one to about five, or one; and R″ is a hydrocarbyl group of about 5 to about 150 carbon atoms.

An exemplary or illustrative ether amine is available under the name SURFAM® amines produced and marketed by Mars Chemical Company, Atlanta, Ga. Additional exemplary ether amines include those identified as SURFAM P14B (decyloxypropylamine), SURFAM P16A (linear C16), and SURFAM P17B (tridecyloxypropylamine). The carbon chain lengths (i.e., C14, etc.) of the SURFAM ether amines described above and used hereinafter are approximate and include the oxygen ether linkage.

A further illustrative amine is a tertiary-aliphatic primary amine. For example, the aliphatic group, such as an alkyl group, contains from about 4 to about 30, or from about 6 to about 24, or from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Usually the tertiary alkyl primary amines are monoamines the alkyl group is a hydrocarbyl group containing from one to about 27 carbon atoms. Such amines are illustrated by tert-butylamine, tert-hexylamine, 1-methyl-1-amino-cyclohexane, tert-octylamine, tert-decylamine, tert-dodecylamine, tert-tetradecylamine, tert-hexadecylamine, tert-octadecylamine, tert-tetracosanylamine, tert-octacosanylamine, and combinations thereof. Mixtures of tertiary aliphatic amines may also be used in preparing the phosphate salt. Illustrative of amine mixtures of this type are “Primene 81R”, which is a mixture of C11-C14 tertiary alkyl primary amines, and “Primene JMT”, which is a similar mixture of C18-C22 tertiary alkyl primary amines (both are available from Rohm and Haas Company). The tertiary aliphatic primary amines and methods for their preparation are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Another illustrative amine is a heterocyclic polyamine. The heterocyclic polyamines include aziridines, azetidines, azolidines, tetra- and dihydropyridines, pyrroles, indoles, piperidines, imidazoles, di- and tetra-hydroimidazoles, piperazines, isoindoles, purines, morpholines, thiomorpholines, N-aminoalkylmorpholines, N-aminoalkylthiomorpholines, N-aminoalkyl-piperazines, N,N′-diaminoalkylpiperazines, azepines, azocines, azonines, azecines and tetra-, di- and perhydro derivatives of each of the above, and mixtures of two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) of these heterocyclic amines. In certain embodiments, the heterocyclic amines are saturated 5- and 6-membered heterocyclic amines containing only nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the hetero ring, especially the piperidines, piperazines, thiomorpholines, morpholines, pyrrolidines, and the like. Piperidine, aminoalkyl substituted piperidines, piperazine, aminoalkyl substituted piperazines, morpholine, aminoalkyl substituted morpholines, pyrrolidine, and aminoalkyl-substituted pyrrolidines, are especially preferred. Usually the aminoalkyl substituents are substituted on a nitrogen atom forming part of the hetero ring. Specific examples of such heterocyclic amines include N-aminopropylmorpholine, N-aminoethylpiperazine, and N,N′-diaminoethylpiperazine. Hydroxy heterocyclic polyamines are also useful. Examples include N-(2-hydroxyethyl)cyclohexylamine, 3-hydroxycyclopentylamine, parahydroxyaniline, N-hydroxyethylpiperazine, and the like.

The metal salts of the phosphorus acid esters may be prepared by the reaction of a metal base with the acidic phosphorus ester. The metal base may be any metal compound capable of forming a metal salt. Examples of metal bases include metal oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, sulfates, borates, or the like. The metals of the metal base include Group IA, IIA, IB through VIIB, and VIII metals (CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements). These metals include the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and transition metals. In an embodiment, the metal is a Group IIA metal, such as calcium or magnesium, Group IIB metal, such as zinc, or a Group VIIB metal, such as manganese. In particular embodiments, the metal is magnesium, calcium, manganese or zinc. Examples of metal compounds which may be reacted with the phosphorus acid include zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, copper hydroxide, copper oxide, etc.

The composition of the present disclosure also may include a fatty imidazoline or a reaction product of a fatty carboxylic acid and at least one polyamine. The fatty imidazoline has fatty substituents containing from 8 to about 30, or from about 12 to about 24 carbon atoms. The substituent may be saturated or unsaturated, for example, heptadeceneyl derived olyel groups. In a particular embodiment, the substituents are saturated. In one aspect, the fatty imidazoline may be prepared by reacting a fatty carboxylic acid with a polyalkylenepolyamine. The fatty carboxylic acids are can be mixtures of straight and branched chain fatty carboxylic acids containing about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, or from about 12 to about 24, or from about 16 to about 18. Carboxylic acids include the polycarboxylic acids or carboxylic acids or anhydrides having from 2 to about 4 carbonyl groups, (e.g. 2 carbonyl groups). The polycarboxylic acids include succinic acids and anhydrides and Diels-Alder reaction products of unsaturated monocarboxylic acids with unsaturated carboxylic acids (such as acrylic, methacrylic, maleic, fumaric, crotonic and itaconic acids). In particular embodiments, the fatty carboxylic acids are fatty monocarboxylic acids, having from about 8 to about 30, (e.g. about 12 to about 24 carbon atoms), such as octanoic, oleic, stearic, linoleic, dodecanoic, and tall oil acids. In an embodiment, the fatty carboxylic acid is stearic acid. The fatty carboxylic acid or acids are reacted with at least one polyamine. The polyamines may be aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic. Examples of the polyamines include alkylene polyamines and heterocyclic polyamines.

The antiwear additive according to the present disclosure has very high effectiveness when used in low concentrations and is free of chlorine. For the neutralization of the phosphoric esters, the latter are taken and the corresponding amine slowly added with stirring. The resulting heat of neutralization is removed by cooling. The antiwear additive according to the present disclosure can be incorporated into the respective base liquid with the aid of fatty substances (e.g., tall oil fatty acid, oleic acid, etc.) as solubilizers. The base liquids used are napthenic or paraffinic base oils, synthetic oils (e.g., polyglycols, mixed polyglycols), polyolefins, carboxylic esters, etc.

In further embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure can contain at least one phosphorus containing antiwear additive. Examples of such additives are amine phosphate antiwear additives such as that known under the trade name IRGALUBE 349 and/or triphenyl phosphorothionate antiwear additives, such as that known under the trade name IRGALUBE TPPT. Such amine phosphates may be present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 2% (e.g. about 0.2 to about 1.5%) by weight of the lubricant composition, while such phosphorothionates are suitably present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 3% (e.g., about 0.5 to about 1.5%) by weight of the composition of the present disclosure. A mixture of an amine phosphate and phosphorothionate may be employed.

Neutral organic phosphates may be present in an amount from zero to about 4% (e.g., about 0.1 to about 2.5%) by weight of the composition of the present disclosure. The above amine phosphates can be mixed together to form a single component capable of delivering antiwear performance. The neutral organic phosphate is also a conventional ingredient of lubricating oils.

Phosphates for use in the present disclosure include phosphates, acid phosphates, phosphites, and acid phosphites. The phosphates include triaryl phosphates, trialkyl phosphates, trialkylaryl phosphates, triarylalkyl phosphates, trialkenyl phosphates, or combinations thereof. As specific examples of these, referred to are triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, benzyldiphenyl phosphate, ethyldiphenyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, ethyldibutyl phosphate, cresyldiphenyl phosphate, dicresylphenyl phosphate, ethylphenyldiphenyl phosphate, diethylphenylphenyl phosphate, propylphenyldiphenyl phosphate, dipropylphenylphenyl phosphate, triethylphenyl phosphate, tripropylphenyl phosphate, butylphenyldiphenyl phosphate, dibutylphenylphenyl phosphate, tributylphenyl phosphate, trihexyl phosphate, tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, tridecyl phosphate, trilauryl phosphate, trimyristyl phosphate, tripalmityl phosphate, tristearyl phosphate, trioleyl phosphate, or combinations thereof.

The acid phosphates include, for example, 2-ethylhexyl acid phosphate, ethyl acid phosphate, butyl acid phosphate, oleyl acid phosphate, tetracosyl acid phosphate, isodecyl acid phosphate, lauryl acid phosphate, tridecyl acid phosphate, stearyl acid phosphate, isostearyl acid phosphate, or combinations thereof.

The phosphites include, for example, triethyl phosphite, tributyl phosphite, triphenyl phosphite, tricresyl phosphite, tri(nonylphenyl) phosphite, tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphite, tridecyl phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, triisooctyl phosphite, diphenylisodecyl phosphite, tristearyl phosphite, trioleyl phosphite, or combinations thereof.

The acid phosphites include, for example, dibutyl hydrogenphosphite, dilauryl hydrogenphosphite, dioleyl hydrogenphosphite, distearyl hydrogenphosphite, diphenyl hydrogenphosphite, or combinations thereof.

Amines that form amine salts with such phosphates include, for example, mono-substituted amines, di-substituted amines and tri-substituted amines. Examples of the mono-substituted amines include butylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine, cyclohexylamine, octylamine, laurylamine, stearylamine, oleylamine and benzylamine; and those of the di-substituted amines include dibutylamine, dipentylamine, dihexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, dioctylamine, dilaurylamine, distearylamine, dioleylamine, dibenzylamine, stearyl monoethanolamine, decyl monoethanolamine, hexyl monopropanolamine, benzyl monoethanolamine, phenyl monoethanolamine, and tolyl monopropanolamine. Examples of tri-substituted amines include tributylamine, tripentylamine, trihexylamine, tricyclohexylamine, trioctylamine, trilaurylamine, tristearylamine, trioleylamine, tribenzylamine, dioleyl monoethanolamine, dilauryl monopropanolamine, dioctyl monoethanolamine, dihexyl monopropanolamine, dibutyl monopropanolamine, oleyl diethanolamine, stearyl dipropanolamine, lauryl diethanolamine, octyl dipropanolamine, butyl diethanolamine, benzyl diethanolamine, phenyl diethanolamine, tolyl dipropanolamine, xylyl diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and tripropanolamine. Phosphates or their amine salts are added to the base oil in an amount from zero to about 5% by weight, (e.g. from about 0.1 to about 2% by weight) relative to the total weight of the composition of the present disclosure.

Illustrative carboxylic acids to be reacted with amines include, for example, aliphatic carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids (dibasic acids), aromatic carboxylic acids, or combinations thereof. The aliphatic carboxylic acids have from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and may be saturated or unsaturated, and linear or branched. Specific examples of the aliphatic carboxylic acids include pelargonic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, eicosanoic acid, behenic acid, triacontanoic acid, caproleic acid, undecylenic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, erucic acid, linoleic acid, or combinations thereof. Specific examples of the dicarboxylic acids include octadecylsuccinic acid, octadecenylsuccinic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, or combinations thereof. One example of the aromatic carboxylic acids is salicylic acid. Illustrative amines to be reacted with carboxylic acids include, for example, polyalkylene-polyamines, such as diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, hexaethyleneheptamine, heptaethyleneoctamine, dipropylenetriamine, tetrapropylenepentamine, hexabutyleneheptamine, or combinations thereof; and alkanolamines, such as monoethanolamine and diethanolamine. Of these, preferred are a combination of isostearic acid, tetraethylenepentamine, or combinations thereof; and a combination of oleic acid and diethanolamine. Reaction products of carboxylic acids and amines may be added to the base oil in an amount of from zero to about 5% by weight (e.g. from about 0.03 to about 3% by weight) relative to the total weight of the composition of the present disclosure.

Other illustrative antiwear additives include phosphites, thiophosphites, phosphates, and thiophosphates, including mixed materials having, for instance, one or two sulfur atoms, i.e., monothio- or dithio compounds. As used herein, the term “hydrocarbyl substituent” or “hydrocarbyl group” is used in its ordinary sense, which is well-known to those skilled in the art. Specifically, it refers to a group primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms and is attached to the remainder of the molecule through a carbon atom and does not exclude the presence of other atoms or groups in a proportion insufficient to detract from the molecule having a predominantly hydrocarbon character. In general, no more than two, preferably no more than one, non-hydrocarbon substituent will be present for every ten carbon atoms in the hydrocarbyl group; typically, there will be no non-hydrocarbon substituents in the hydrocarbyl group. A more detailed definition of the terms “hydrocarbyl substituent” or “hydrocarbyl group,” is described in US Patent 6, 583,092.

Specific examples of some phosphites and thiophosphites within the scope of the disclosure include phosphorous acid, mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphorous acid, mono-, di- or tri-propyl phosphite or mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphite; mono-, di- or tri-butyl phosphite or mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphite; mono-, di- or tri-amyl phosphite or mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphite; mono-, di- or tri-hexyl phosphite; or mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphite; mono-, di- or tri-phenyl phosphite; or mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphite; mono-, di- or tri-tolyl phosphite; or mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphite; mono-, di- or tri-cresyl phosphite; or mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphite; dibutyl phenyl phosphite; or mono-, di- or tri-phosphite; amyl dicresyl phosphite; or mono-, di- or tri-thiophosphite, and any of the above with substituted groups, such as chlorophenyl or chlorobutyl.

Specific examples of the phosphates and thiophosphates within the scope of the disclosure include phosphoric acid, mono-, di-, or tri-thiophosphoric acid, mono-, di-, or tri-propyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or tri-thiophosphate; mono-, di-, or tri-butyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or tri-thiophosphate; mono-, di-, or tri-amyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or tri-thiophosphate; mono-, di-, or tri-hexyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or tri-thiophosphate; mono-, di-, or tri-phenyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or tri-thiophosphate; mono-, di-, or tritolyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or trithiophosphate; mono-, di-, or tri-cresyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or tri-thiophosphate; dibutyl phenyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or tri-phosphate, amyl dicresyl phosphate or mono-, di-, or tri-thiophosphate, and any of the above with substituted groups, such as chlorophenyl or chlorobutyl.

These phosphorus compounds may be prepared by well-known reactions. For example, the reaction of an alcohol or a phenol with phosphorus trichloride or by a transesterification reaction. Alcohols and phenols can be reacted with phosphorus pentoxide to provide a mixture of an alkyl or aryl phosphoric acid and a dialkyl or diaryl phosphoric acid. Alkyl phosphates can also be prepared by the oxidation of the corresponding phosphites. Thiophosphates can be prepared by the reaction of phosphites with elemental sulfur. In any case, the reaction can be conducted with moderate heating. Moreover, various phosphorus esters can be prepared by reaction using other phosphorus esters as starting materials. Thus, medium chain (C9 to C22) phosphorus esters have been prepared by reaction of dimethylphosphite with a mixture of medium-chain alcohols by means of a thermal transesterification or an acid- or base-catalyzed transesterification. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,416. Most such materials are also commercially available; for instance, triphenyl phosphite is available from Albright and Wilson as Duraphos TPP™; di-n-butyl hydrogen phosphite from Albright and Wilson as Duraphos DBHP™; and triphenylthiophosphate from Ciba Specialty Chemicals as Irgalube TPPT™.

Examples of esters of the dialkylphosphorodithioic acids include esters obtained by reaction of the dialkyl phosphorodithioic acid with an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid (e.g., methyl acrylate) and, optionally an alkylene oxide such as propylene oxide.

One or more of the above-identified metal dithiophosphates may be used from about zero to about 2% by weight (e.g., from about 0.1 to about 1% by weight) based on the weight of the total composition.

The hydrocarbyl in the dithiophosphate may be alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or alkaryl groups, or a substantially hydrocarbon group of similar structure. Illustrative alkyl groups include isopropyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, the various amyl groups, n-hexyl, methylisobutyl, heptyl, 2-ethylhexyl, diisobutyl, isooctyl, nonyl, behenyl, decyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, etc. Illustrative lower alkylphenyl groups include butylphenyl, amylphenyl, heptylphenyl, etc. Cycloalkyl groups likewise are useful and these include chiefly cyclohexyl and the lower alkyl-cyclohexyl radicals. Many substituted hydrocarbon groups may also be used, e.g., chloropentyl, dichlorophenyl, and dichlorodecyl.

The phosphorodithioic acids from which the metal salts useful in this disclosure are prepared are well known. Examples of dihydrocarbylphosphorodithioic acids and metal salts, and processes for preparing such acids and salts are found in, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,263,150; 4,289,635; 4,308,154; and 4,417,990. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference.

The phosphorodithioic acids may be prepared by the reaction of a phosphorus sulfide with an alcohol or phenol or mixtures of alcohols. An exemplary reaction involves four moles of the alcohol or phenol and one mole of phosphorus pentasulfide, and may be carried out within the temperature range from about 50° C. to about 200° C. Thus, the preparation of O,O-di-n-hexyl phosphorodithioic acid involves the reaction of a mole of phosphorus pentasulfide with four moles of n-hexyl alcohol at about 100° C. for about two hours. Hydrogen sulfide is liberated and the residue is the desired acid. The preparation of the metal salts of these acids may be effected by reaction with metal compounds as well known in the art.

The metal salts of dihydrocarbyldithiophosphates, which are useful in the present disclosure, include those salts containing Group I metals, Group II metals, aluminum, lead, tin, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, and nickel. The Group II metals, aluminum, tin, iron, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, manganese, nickel and copper are among the preferred metals. Zinc and copper are especially useful metals. Examples of metal compounds which may be reacted with the acid include lithium oxide, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, silver oxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, zinc hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, cadmium oxide, cadmium hydroxide, barium oxide, aluminum oxide, iron carbonate, copper hydroxide, lead hydroxide, tin butylate, cobalt hydroxide, nickel hydroxide, nickel carbonate, and the like.

In some instances, the incorporation of certain ingredients such as small amounts of the metal acetate or acetic acid in conjunction with the metal reactant will facilitate the reaction and result in an improved product. For example, the use of up to about 5% of zinc acetate in combination with the required amount of zinc oxide facilitates the formation of a zinc phosphorodithioate with potentially improved performance properties.

Especially useful metal phosphorodithloates can be prepared from phosphorodithloic acids, which in turn are prepared by the reaction of phosphorus pentasulfide with mixtures of alcohols. In addition, the use of such mixtures enables the utilization of less expensive alcohols, which individually may not yield oil-soluble phosphorodithioic acids. Thus, a mixture of isopropyl and hexylalcohols can be used to produce a very effective, oil-soluble metal phosphorodithioate. For the same reason mixtures of phosphorodithioic acids can be reacted with the metal compounds to form less expensive, oil-soluble salts.

The mixtures of alcohols may be mixtures of different primary alcohols, mixtures of different secondary alcohols, or mixtures of primary and secondary alcohols. Examples of useful mixtures include: n-butanol and n-octanol; n-pentanol and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol; isobutanol and n-hexanol; isobutanol and isoamyl alcohol; isopropanol and 2-methyl-4-pentanol; isopropanol and sec-butyl alcohol; isopropanol and isooctyl alcohol; and the like.

Organic triesters of phosphorus acids are also employed in lubricants. Exemplary esters include triarylphosphates, trialkyl phosphates, neutral alkylaryl phosphates, alkoxyalkyl phosphates, triaryl phosphite, trialkylphosphite, neutral alkyl aryl phosphites, neutral phosphonate esters and neutral phosphine oxide esters. In one embodiment, the long chain dialkyl phosphonate esters are used. For example, the dimethyl-, diethyl-, and/or dipropyl-oleyl phohphonates can be used. Neutral acids of phosphorus acids are the triesters rather than an acid (HO—P) or a salt of an acid.

Any C4 to C8 alkyl or higher phosphate ester may be employed in the disclosure. For example, tributyl phosphate (TBP) and tri isooctal phosphate (TOF) can be used. The specific triphosphate ester or combination of esters can easily be selected by one skilled in the art to adjust the density, viscosity, etc., of the formulated fluid. Mixed esters, such as dibutyl octyl phosphate or the like may be employed rather than a mixture of two or more trialkyl phosphates.

A trialkyl phosphate is often useful to adjust the specific gravity of the formulation, but it is desirable that the specific trialkyl phosphate be a liquid at low temperatures. Consequently, a mixed ester containing at least one partially alkylated with a C3 to C4 alkyl group is very desirable, for example, 4-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate or 3-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate. Even more desirable is a triaryl phosphate produced by partially alkylating phenol with butylene or propylene to form a mixed phenol which is then reacted with phosphorus oxychloride as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,923.

Any mixed triaryl phosphate (TAP) esters may be used as cresyl diphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, mixed xylyl cresyl phosphates, lower alkylphenyl/phenyl phosphates, such as mixed isopropylphenyl/phenyl phosphates, t-butylphenyl phenyl phosphates. These esters are used extensively as plasticizers, functional fluids, gasoline additives, flame-retardant additives and the like.

A metal alkylthiophosphate and more particularly a metal dialkyl dithio phosphate in which the metal constituent is zinc, or zinc dialkyl dithio phosphate (ZDDP) can be a useful component of the lubricating oils of this disclosure. ZDDP can be derived from primary alcohols, secondary alcohols or mixtures thereof. ZDDP compounds are of the formula:

Zn[SP(S)(OR1)(OR2)]₂,

wherein R1 and R2 are C1-C18 alkyl groups (e.g. C2-C12 alkyl groups).

These alkyl groups may be straight chain or branched. Alcohols used in the ZDDP can be propanol, 2-propanol, butanol, secondary butanol, pentanols, hexanols such as 4-methyl-2-pentanol, n-hexanol, n-octanol, 2-ethyl hexanol, alkylated phenols, and the like. Mixtures of secondary alcohols or of primary and secondary alcohol can be utilized. Alkyl aryl groups may also be used.

Exemplary zinc dithiophosphates that are commercially available include secondary zinc dithiophosphates, such as those available from for example, The Lubrizol Corporation under the trade designations “LZ 677A”, “LZ 1095” and “LZ 1371”, from for example Chevron Oronite under the trade designation “OLOA 262”, and from for example Afton Chemical under the trade designation “HITEC 7169”.

ZDDP may be used in amounts of from about zero to about 3 weight percent (e.g. from about 0.05 weight percent to about 2 weight percent, from about 0.1 weight percent to about 1.5 weight percent, or from about 0.1 weight percent to about 1 weight percent) based on the total weight of the composition fo the present disclosure, although more or less can often be used advantageously. A secondary ZDDP may be present in an amount of from zero to about 1 weight percent of the total weight of the composition fo the present disclosure.

Extreme Pressure Agent(s).

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4, or more) extreme pressure agent. Any extreme pressure agent that is known or that becomes know may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure.

The extreme pressure agents can be at least one sulfur-based extreme pressure agents, such as sulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones, thiophosphinates, thiocarbonates, sulfurized fats and oils, sulfurized olefins, the like, or combinations thereof; at least one phosphorus-based extreme pressure agents, such as phosphoric acid esters (e.g., tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and the like), phosphorous acid esters, phosphoric acid ester amine salts, phosphorous acid ester amine salts, the like, or combinations thereof; halogen-based extreme pressure agents, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, the like, or combinations thereof; organometallic extreme pressure agents, such as thiophosphoric acid salts (e.g., zinc dithiophosphate (ZnDTP) and the like), thiocarbamic acid salts, or combinations thereof; and the like.

The phosphoric acid ester, thiophosphoric acid ester, and amine salts thereof functions to enhance the lubricating performances, and can be selected from known compounds conventionally employed as extreme pressure agents. For example, phosphoric acid esters, a thiophosphoric acid ester, or an amine salt thereof which has an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkylaryl group, or an aralkyl group, any of which contains approximately 3 to 30 carbon atoms, may be employed.

Examples of the phosphoric acid esters include aliphatic phosphoric acid esters such as triisopropyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, ethyl dibutyl phosphate, trihexyl phosphate, tri-2-ethylhexyl phosphate, trilauryl phosphate, tristearyl phosphate, and trioleyl phosphate; and aromatic phosphoric acid esters such as benzyl phenyl phosphate, allyl diphenyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, ethyl diphenyl phosphate, cresyl diphenyl phosphate, dicresyl phenyl phosphate, ethylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, diethylphenyl phenyl phosphate, propylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, dipropylphenyl phenyl phosphate, triethylphenyl phosphate, tripropylphenyl phosphate, butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, dibutylphenyl phenyl phosphate, and tributylphenyl phosphate. In an embodiment, the phosphoric acid ester is a trialkylphenyl phosphate.

Examples of the thiophosphoric acid esters include aliphatic thiophosphoric acid esters such as triisopropyl thiophosphate, tributyl thiophosphate, ethyl dibutyl thiophosphate, trihexyl thiophosphate, tri-2-ethylhexyl thiophosphate, trilauryl thiophosphate, tristearyl thiophosphate, and trioleyl thiophosphate; and aromatic thiophosphoric acid esters such as benzyl phenyl thiophosphate, allyl diphenyl thiophosphate, triphenyl thiophosphate, tricresyl thiophosphate, ethyl diphenyl thiophosphate, cresyl diphenyl thiophosphate, dicresyl phenyl thiophosphate, ethylphenyl diphenyl thiophosphate, diethylphenyl phenyl thiophosphate, propylphenyl diphenyl thiophosphate, dipropylphenyl phenyl thiophosphate, triethylphenyl thiophosphate, tripropylphenyl thiophosphate, butylphenyl diphenyl thiophosphate, dibutylphenyl phenyl thiophosphate, and tributylphenyl thiophosphate. In an embodiment, the thiophosphoric acid ester is a trialkylphenyl thiophosphate.

Also employable are amine salts of the above-mentioned phosphates and thiophosphates. Amine salts of acidic alkyl or aryl esters of the phosphoric acid and thiophosphoric acid are also employable. In an embodiment, the amine salt is an amine salt of trialkylphenyl phosphate or an amine salt of alkyl phosphate.

One or any combination of the compounds selected from the group consisting of a phosphoric acid ester, a thiophosphoric acid ester, and an amine salt thereof may be used.

The phosphorus acid ester and/or its amine salt function to enhance the lubricating performance of the composition, and can be selected from known compounds conventionally employed as extreme pressure agents. For example, the extreme pressure agent can be a phosphorus acid ester or an amine salt thereof, which has an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkylaryl group, or an aralkyl group, any of which contains approximately 3 to 30 carbon atoms.

Examples of phosphorus acid esters that may be used includes aliphatic phosphorus acid esters, such as triisopropyl phosphite, tributyl phosphite, ethyl dibutyl phosphite, trihexyl phosphite, tri-2-ethylhexylphosphite, trilauryl phosphite, tristearyl phosphite, and trioleyl phosphite; and aromatic phosphorus acid esters such as benzyl phenyl phosphite, allyl diphenylphosphite, triphenyl phosphite, tricresyl phosphite, ethyl diphenyl phosphite, tributyl phosphite, ethyl dibutyl phosphite, cresyl diphenyl phosphite, dicresyl phenyl phosphite, ethylphenyl diphenyl phosphite, diethylphenyl phenyl phosphite, propylphenyl diphenyl phosphite, dipropylphenyl phenyl phosphite, triethylphenyl phosphite, tripropylphenyl phosphite, butylphenyl diphenyl phosphite, dibutylphenyl phenyl phosphite, and tributylphenyl phosphite. Also favorably employed are dilauryl phosphite, dioleyl phosphite, dialkyl phosphites, and diphenyl phosphite. In certain embodiments, the phosphorus acid ester is a dialkyl phosphite or a trialkyl phosphite.

The phosphate salt may be derived from a polyamine, such as alkoxylated diamines, fatty polyamine diamines, alkylenepolyamines, hydroxy containing polyamines, condensed polyamines arylpolyamines, and heterocyclic polyamines. Examples of these amines include Ethoduomeen T/13 and T/20, which are ethylene oxide condensation products of N-tallowtrimethylenediamine containing 3 and 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of diamine, respectively.

In another embodiment, the polyamine is a fatty diamine. The fatty diamine may include mono- or dialkyl, symmetrical or asymmetrical ethylene diamines, propane diamines (1,2 or 1,3), and polyamine analogs of the above. Suitable commercial fatty polyamines are Duomeen C (N-coco-1,3-diaminopropane), Duomeen S (N-soya-1,3-diaminopropane), Duomeen T (N-tallow-1,3-diaminopropane), and Duomeen 0 (N-oleyl-1,3-diaminopropane). “Duomeens” are commercially available from Armak Chemical Co., Chicago, Ill.

Such alkylenepolyamines include methylenepolyamines, ethylenepolyamines, butylenepolyamines, propylenepolyamines, pentylenepolyamines, etc. The higher homologs and related heterocyclic amines, such as piperazines and N-amino alkyl-substituted piperazines, are also included. Specific examples of such polyamines are ethylenediamine, triethylenetetramine, tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine, propylenediamine, trimethylenediamine, tripropylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, hexaethyleneheptamine, pentaethylenehexamine, etc. Higher homologs obtained by condensing two or more of the above-noted alkyleneamines are similarly useful as are mixtures of two or more of the aforedescribed polyamines.

In one embodiment the polyamine is an ethylenepolyamine. Such polyamines are described in detail under the heading Ethylene Amines in Kirk Othmer's “Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology”, 2nd Edition, Vol. 7, pages 22-37, Interscience Publishers, New York (1965). Ethylenepolyamines can be a complex mixture of polyalkylenepolyamines, including cyclic condensation products.

Other useful types of polyamine mixtures are those resulting from stripping of the above-described polyamine mixtures to leave, as residue, what is often termed “polyamine bottoms”. The alkylenepolyamine bottoms can be characterized as having less than 2%, usually less than 1% (by weight) material boiling below about 200° C. An exemplary sample of such ethylene polyamine bottoms obtained from the Dow Chemical Company of Freeport, Tex. designated “E-100”. These alkylenepolyamine bottoms include cyclic condensation products, such as piperazine, and higher analogs of diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine and the like. These alkylenepolyamine bottoms can be reacted solely with the acylating agent or they can be used with other amines, polyamines, or mixtures thereof. Another useful polyamine is a condensation reaction between at least one hydroxy compound with at least one polyamine reactant containing at least one primary or secondary amino group. In an embodiment, the hydroxy compounds are alcohols and amines. The polyhydric alcohols are described below. In one embodiment, the hydroxy compounds are polyhydric amines. Polyhydric amines include any of the above-described monoamines reacted with an alkylene oxide (e.g., ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, etc.) having from two to about 20 carbon atoms, or from two to about four. Examples of polyhydric amines include tri-(hydroxypropyl)amine, tris-(hydroxymethyl)amino methane, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine, and N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine. IN an embodiment, the polyhydric amin is tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM).

Polyamines which react with the polyhydric alcohol or amine to form the condensation products or condensed amines, are described above. In an embodiment, the polyamine include at least one of triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA), and mixtures of polyamines, such as the above-described “amine bottoms”.

In some embodiments, the extreme pressure additive or additives includes sulphur-based extreme pressure additives, such as dialkyl sulphides, dibenzyl sulphide, dialkyl polysulphides, dibenzyl disulphide, alkyl mercaptans, dibenzothiophene, 2,2′-dithiobis(benzothiazole), or combinations thereof; phosphorus-based extreme pressure additives, such as trialkyl phosphates, triaryl phosphates, trialkyl phosphonates, trialkyl phosphites, triaryl phosphites, dialkylhydrozine phosphites, or combinations thereof; and/or phosphorus- and sulphur-based extreme pressure additives, such as zinc dialkyldithiophosphates, dialkylthiophosphoric acid, trialkyl thiophosphate esters, acidic thiophosphate esters, trialkyl trithiophosphates, or combinations thereof. Extreme pressure additives can be used individually or in the form of mixtures, conveniently in an amount within the range from zero to about 2% by weight of the composition of the present disclosure.

Dispersant(s).

In other embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4, or more) dispersant. During machine operation, oil-insoluble oxidation byproducts are produced. The dispersant may be added to help keep these byproducts in solution, thus diminishing their deposition on metal surfaces. Dispersants may also be used to improve the emulsion characteristics of the mixture of oil, water and dissolved or suspended species, before and during the reaction stage to form the grease thickener. This can favorably affect the size and distribution of the particles of soaps, complexing agents and non-soap thickeners. The use of dispersants can also serve to control, reduce, or eliminate foaming of the mixture during the initial mixing stage, during the reaction stages (to form the thickener and complexing molecules), and during the dehydration stage (for those thickeners that form water or alcohols as a reaction product, or require water as a carrier fluid, solvent or reaction medium).

Any dispersant that is known or that becomes known may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure. The dispersant may be present in an amount of about 1.5 wt. %, about 1.25 wt. %, or about 1 wt. %. For example, the dispersant may be present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 1.25 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 1 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.25 to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.25 to about 1.25 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 1 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 1.25 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 1 wt. %, about 0.75 to about 1.5 wt. %, about 0.75 to about 1.25 wt. %, or about 1 to about 1.5 wt. %.

In some embodiments, the dispersants is ashless or ash-forming in nature. In an embodiment, the dispersant is an ashless. So called ashless are organic materials that form substantially no ash upon combustion. For example, non-metal-containing or borated metal-free dispersants are considered ashless. In contrast, metal-containing detergents form ash upon combustion.

Suitable dispersants may contain a polar group attached to a relatively high molecular weight hydrocarbon chain (e.g., about 50 to about 400 carbon atoms). In certain embodiments, the polar group contains at least one element of nitrogen, oxygen, or phosphorus.

A particularly useful class of dispersants are the (poly)alkenylsuccinic derivatives, which may be produced by the reaction of a long chain hydrocarbyl substituted succinic compound, e.g. a hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydride, with a polyhydroxy or polyamino compound. The long chain hydrocarbyl group constituting the oleophilic portion of the molecule, which confers solubility in the oil, is normally a polyisobutylene group. Many examples of this type of dispersant are well known commercially and in the literature. Exemplary U.S. patents describing such dispersants are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,172,892; 3,215,707; 3,219,666; 3,316,177; 3,341,542; 3,444,170; 3,454,607; 3,541,012; 3,630,904; 3,632,511; 3,787,374 and 4,234,435. Other types of dispersant are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,036,003; 3,200,107; 3,254,025; 3,275,554; 3,438,757; 3,454,555; 3,565,804; 3,413,347; 3,697,574; 3,725,277; 3,725,480; 3,726,882; 4,454,059; 3,329,658; 3,449,250; 3,519,565; 3,666,730; 3,687,849; 3,702,300; 4,100,082; 5,705,458. A further description of dispersants may be found, for example, in European Patent Application No. 471 071, to which reference is made for this purpose.

Hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic acid and hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic anhydride derivatives are useful dispersants. In particular, succinimide, succinate esters, or succinate ester amides prepared by the reaction of a hydrocarbon-substituted succinic acid compound (e.g., a hydrocarbon-substituted succinic acid compound having at least 50 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon substituent) with at least one equivalent of an alkylene amine are particularly useful.

Succinimides are formed by the condensation reaction between hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides and amines. Molar ratios can vary depending on the polyamine. For example, the molar ratio of hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydride to TEPA can vary from about 1:1 to about 5:1. Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,087,936; 3,172,892; 3,219,666; 3,272,746; 3,322,670; and 3,652,616, 3,948,800; and Canada Patent No. 1,094,044.

Succinate esters may be formed by the condensation reaction between hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides and alcohols or polyols. Molar ratios can vary depending on the alcohol or polyol used. For example, the condensation product of a hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydride and pentaerythritol is a useful dispersant.

Succinate ester amides may be formed by condensation reaction between hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides and alkanol amines. For example, suitable alkanol amines include ethoxylated polyalkylpolyamines, propoxylated polyalkylpolyamines and polyalkenylpolyamines, such as polyethylene polyamines. One example is propoxylated hexamethylenediamine. Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,305.

The molecular weight of the hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides used in the preceding paragraphs can range between about 800 and about 2,500 or more. The above products can be post-reacted with various reagents such as sulfur, oxygen, formaldehyde, carboxylic acids, such as oleic acid. The above products can also be post reacted with boron compounds, such as boric acid, borate esters or highly borated dispersants, to form borated dispersants, which may have from about 0.1 to about 5 moles of boron per mole of dispersant reaction product.

Mannich base dispersants are made from the reaction of alkylphenols, formaldehyde, and amines. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,551, which is incorporated herein by reference. Process aids and catalysts, such as oleic acid and sulfonic acids, can also be part of the reaction mixture. Molecular weights of the alkylphenols may range from about 800 to about 2,500. Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,697,574; 3,703,536; 3,704,308; 3,751,365; 3,756,953; 3,798,165; and 3,803,039.

High molecular weight aliphatic acid modified Mannich condensation products useful in this disclosure can be prepared from high molecular weight alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatics or HNR₂ group-containing reactants, wherein each R is independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C18 alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl group.

Hydrocarbyl substituted amine ashless dispersant additives are well known to one skilled in the art; see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,275,554; 3,438,757; 3,565,804; 3,755,433, 3,822,209, and 5,084,197.

In certain embodiments, the dispersants include borated and/or non-borated succinimides, including those derivatives from mono-succinimides, bis-succinimides, and/or mixtures of mono- and bis-succinimides, wherein the hydrocarbyl succinimide is derived from a hydrocarbylene group such as polyisobutylene having a Mn of from about 500 to about 5000, or from about 1000 to about 3000, or about 1000 to about 2000, or a mixture of such hydrocarbylene groups, often with high terminal vinylic groups. Other dispersants include succinic acid-esters and amides, alkylphenol-polyamine-coupled Mannich adducts, their capped derivatives, and other related components.

Polymethacrylate or polyacrylate derivatives are another class of dispersants. These dispersants may be prepared by reacting a nitrogen containing monomer and a methacrylic or acrylic acid esters containing about 5 to about 25 carbon atoms in the ester group. Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,100,993, and 6,323,164. Polymethacrylate and polyacrylate dispersants may be used as multifunctional viscosity modifiers. The lower molecular weight versions can be used as lubricant dispersants or fuel detergents.

Illustrative dispersants useful in this disclosure include those derived from polyalkenyl-substituted mono- or dicarboxylic acid, anhydride or ester, wherein the polyalkenyl moiety has an average molecular weight of at least about 900 and from greater than 1.3 to 1.7 (e.g. from greater than 1.3 to 1.6 or from greater than 1.3 to 1.5) functional groups (mono- or dicarboxylic acid producing moieties) per polyalkenyl moiety (a medium functionality dispersant). Functionality (F) can be determined according to the following formula:

F=(SAP×Mn)/((112,200×A.I.)−(SAP×98)),

wherein: SAP is the saponification number (i.e., the number of milligrams of KOH consumed in the complete neutralization of the acid groups in one gram of the succinic-containing reaction product, as determined according to ASTM D94); Mn is the number average molecular weight of the starting olefin polymer; and A.I. is the percent active ingredient of the succinic-containing reaction product (the remainder being unreacted olefin polymer, succinic anhydride and diluent).

The polyalkenyl moiety of the dispersant may have a number average molecular weight of at least about 900 or suitably at least about 1500, such as between about 1800 and about 3000 (e.g. between about 2000 and about 2800, from about 2100 to about 2500, or from about 2200 to about 2400). The molecular weight of a dispersant is generally expressed in terms of the molecular weight of the polyalkenyl moiety. This is because the precise molecular weight range of the dispersant depends on numerous parameters including the type of polymer used to derive the dispersant, the number of functional groups, and the type of nucleophilic group employed.

Polymer molecular weight, specifically Mn, can be determined by various known techniques. One convenient method is gel permeation chromatography (GPC), which additionally provides molecular weight distribution information (see W. W. Yau, J. J. Kirkland and D. D. Bly, “Modern Size Exclusion Liquid Chromatography”, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1979). Another useful method for determining molecular weight, particularly for lower molecular weight polymers, is vapor pressure osmometry (e.g., ASTM D3592).

In an embodiment, the polyalkenyl moiety in a dispersant has a narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD), also referred to as polydispersity, as determined by the ratio of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn). Polymers having a Mw/Mn of less than 2.2 (e.g. less than 2.0) are most desirable. Suitable polymers have a polydispersity of from about 1.5 to 2.1 (e.g. from about 1.6 to about 1.8).

Suitable polyalkenes employed in the formation of the dispersants include homopolymers, interpolymers or lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. One family of such polymers comprise polymers of ethylene and/or at least one C3 to C26 alpha-olefin having the formula:

H₂C═CHR⁶,

wherein R⁶ is a straight or branched chain alkyl radical comprising 1 to 26 carbon atoms and wherein the polymer contains carbon-to-carbon unsaturation, and a high degree of terminal ethenylidene unsaturation. In an embodiment, such polymers comprise interpolymers of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin of the above formula, wherein R⁶ is alkyl of from 1 to 18 carbon atoms (e.g. from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or from 1 to 2 carbon atoms).

Another useful class of polymers is polymers prepared by cationic polymerization of monomers such as isobutene and styrene. For example, the polymer(s) can be polyisobutenes obtained by polymerization of a C₄ refinery stream having a butene content of 35 to 75% by wt., and an isobutene content of 30 to 60% by wt. Petroleum feestreams, such as Raffinate II, can be a source of monomer for making poly-n-butenes. These feedstocks are disclosed in the art such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,739. Certain embodiments utilize polyisobutylene prepared from a pure isobutylene stream or a Raffinate I stream to prepare reactive isobutylene polymers with terminal vinylidene olefins. Polyisobutene polymers that may be employed may be based on a polymer chain of from about 1500 to about 3000.

In yet further embodiments, the dispersant(s) are non-polymeric (e.g., mono- or bis-succinimides). Such dispersants can be prepared by conventional processes, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0020950, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The dispersant(s) can be borated by conventional means, as generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,087,936, 3,254,025 and 5,430,105.

Dispersants may be used in an amount of zero to about 10 weight percent or about 0.01 to about 8 weight percent (e.g. about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent or about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent). Or such dispersants may be used in an amount of zero to about 8 weight percent (e.g. about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent or about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent). On an active ingredient basis, such additives may be used in an amount of zero to about 10 weight percent (e.g.

about 0.3 to about 3 weight percent). The hydrocarbon portion of the dispersant atoms can range from about C₆₀ to about C₁₀₀₀, or from about C₇₀ to about C₃₀₀, or from about C₇₀ to about C₂₀₀. These dispersants may contain both neutral and basic nitrogen, and mixtures thereof. Dispersants can be end-capped by borates and/or cyclic carbonates. Nitrogen content in the finished oil can vary from about zero to about 2000 ppm by weight (e.g. from about 100 ppm by weight to about 1200 ppm by weight). Basic nitrogen can vary from about zero to about 1000 ppm by weight (e.g. from about 100 ppm by weight to about 600 ppm by weight).

Dispersants as described herein are beneficially useful with the compositions of the present disclosure. Further, in one embodiment, preparation of the compositions of the present disclosure using one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) dispersants is achieved by combining ingredients of the present disclosure, plus optional base stocks and lubricant additives, in a mixture at a temperature above the melting point of such ingredients, particularly that of the one or more M-carboxylates (M=H, metal, two or more metals, mixtures thereof).

As used herein, the dispersant concentrations are given on an “as delivered” basis. The active dispersant may be delivered with a process oil. The “as delivered” dispersant may contain from about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 40 weight percent to about 60 weight percent, of active dispersant in the “as delivered” dispersant product.

Friction Modifier(s).

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4, or more) friction modifier. A friction modifier is any material or materials that can alter the coefficient of friction of a surface lubricated by any lubricant or fluid containing such material(s). Friction modifiers, also known as friction reducers, or lubricity agents or oiliness agents, and other such agents that change the ability of base oils, formulated lubricant compositions, or functional fluids, to modify the coefficient of friction of a lubricated surface may be effectively used in combination with the base oils or lubricant compositions of the present disclosure if desired. Friction modifiers that lower the coefficient of friction are particularly advantageous in combination with the base oils and lube compositions of this disclosure. Any friction modifier that is known or that becomes know may be utilized in the composition of the present disclosure.

Friction modifiers may include, for example, organometallic compounds or materials, or mixtures thereof. Illustrative organometallic friction modifiers useful in the lubricating turbine oil formulations of this disclosure include, for example, molybdenum amine, molybdenum diamine, an organotungstenate, a molybdenum dithiocarbamate, molybdenum dithiophosphates, molybdenum amine complexes, molybdenum carboxylates, and the like, and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, tungsten-based compounds are utilized.

Other illustrative friction modifiers useful in the lubricating formulations of the present disclosure include, for example, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, alkanolamides, polyol fatty acid esters, borated glycerol fatty acid esters, fatty alcohol ethers, and mixtures thereof.

Illustrative alkoxylated fatty acid esters include, for example, polyoxyethylene stearate, fatty acid polyglycol ester, and the like. These can include polyoxypropylene stearate, polyoxybutylene stearate, polyoxyethylene isosterate, polyoxypropylene isostearate, polyoxyethylene palmitate, and the like.

Illustrative alkanolamides include, for example, lauric acid diethylalkanolamide, palmic acid diethylalkanolamide, and the like. These can include oleic acid diethyalkanolamide, stearic acid diethylalkanolamide, oleic acid diethylalkanolamide, polyethoxylated hydrocarbylamides, polypropoxylated hydrocarbylamides, and the like.

Illustrative polyol fatty acid esters include, for example, glycerol mono-oleate, saturated mono-, di-, and tri-glyceride esters, glycerol mono-stearate, and the like. These can include polyol esters, hydroxyl-containing polyol esters, and the like.

Illustrative borated glycerol fatty acid esters include, for example, borated glycerol mono-oleate, borated saturated mono-, di-, and tri-glyceride esters, borated glycerol monosterate, and the like. In addition to glycerol polyols, these can include trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitan, and the like. These esters can be polyol monocarboxylate esters, polyol dicarboxylate esters, and on occasion polyoltricarboxylate esters. In certain embodiments, the friction modifier is glycerol mono-oleates, glycerol dioleates, glycerol trioleates, glycerol monostearates, glycerol distearates, and glycerol tristearates and the corresponding glycerol monopalmitates, glycerol dipalmitates, glycerol tripalmitates, or the respective isostearates, linoleates, and the like, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the friction modifier is a glycerol esters or mixtures containing any of these. Ethoxylated, propoxylated, butoxylated fatty acid esters of polyols, especially using glycerol as underlying polyol can be utilized.

Illustrative fatty alcohol ethers include, for example, stearyl ether, myristyl ether, and the like. Alcohols, including those that have carbon numbers from C3 to C50, can be ethoxylated, propoxylated, or butoxylated to form the corresponding fatty alkyl ethers. The underlying alcohol portion can be, e.g., stearyl, myristyl, C11-C13 hydrocarbon, oleyl, isosteryl, and the like.

Other friction modifiers could be optionally included in addition to the fatty phosphites and fatty imidazolines. A useful list of such other friction modifier additives is included in U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,410. U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,488 discloses metal salts of fatty acids and especially zinc salts, useful as friction modifiers. Fatty acids are also useful friction modifiers. A list of other suitable friction modifiers includes at least one of: (i) fatty phosphonates; (ii) fatty acid amides; (iii) fatty epoxides; (iv) borated fatty epoxides; (v) fatty amines; (vi) glycerol esters; (vii) borated glycerol esters; (viii) alkoxylated fatty amines; (ix) borated alkoxylated fatty amines; (x) metal salts of fatty acids; (xi) sulfurized olefins; (xii) condensation products of carboxylic acids or equivalents and polyalkylene-polyamines; (xiii) metal salts of alkyl salicylates; (xiv) amine salts of alkylphosphoric acids; (xv) fatty esters; (xvi) condensation products of carboxylic acids; or equivalents with polyols and mixtures thereof.

Representatives of each of these types of friction modifiers are known and are commercially available. For instance, (i) includes components of the formulas:

(RO)2PHO,

(RO)(HO)PHO, and

P(OR)(OR)(OR),

wherein, in these structures, the each “R” is conventionally referred to as an alkyl group, but may also be hydrogen. It is, of course, possible that the alkyl group is actually alkenyl and thus the terms “alkyl” and “alkylated,” as used herein, will embrace other than saturated alkyl groups within the component. The component should have sufficient hydrocarbyl groups to render it substantially oleophilic. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbyl groups are substantially un-branched. Many suitable such components are available commercially and may be synthesized as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,416. In some embodiments, the component contains 8 to 24 carbon atoms in each of the R groups. In other embodiments, the component may be a fatty phosphite containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms in each of the fatty radicals, or 16 to 20 carbon atoms. In one embodiment the fatty phosphite can be formed from oleyl groups, thus having 18 carbon atoms in each fatty radical.

The (iv) borated fatty epoxides are known from Canadian Patent No. 1,188,704. These oil-soluble boron-containing compositions are prepared by reacting, at a temperature from 80° C. to 250° C., boric acid or boron trioxide with at least one fatty epoxide having the formula:

wherein each of R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ is independently hydrogen or an aliphatic radical, or any two thereof together with the epoxy carbon atom or atoms to which they are attached, form a cyclic radical. In an embodiment, the fatty epoxide contains at least 8 carbon atoms.

The borated fatty epoxides can be characterized by the method for their preparation which involves the reaction of two materials. Reagent A can be boron trioxide or any of the various forms of boric acid including metaboric acid (HBO₂), orthoboric acid (H₃BO₃) and tetraboric acid (H₂B₄0₇). In an embodiment, Reagent A is boric acid, such as orthoboric acid. Reagent B can be at least one fatty epoxide having the above formula. In the formula, each of the R groups is most often hydrogen or an aliphatic radical with at least one being a hydrocarbyl or aliphatic radical containing at least 6 carbon atoms. The molar ratio of reagent A to reagent B may be about 1:0.25 to about 1:4 (e.g. about 1:1 to about 1:3 or about 1:2). The borated fatty epoxides can be prepared by merely blending the two reagents and heating them at temperature of about 80° C. to about 250° C., such as about 100° C. to about 200° C., for a period of time sufficient for reaction to take place. If desired, the reaction may be effected in the presence of a substantially inert, normally liquid organic diluent. During the reaction, water is evolved and may be removed by distillation.

The (iii) non-borated fatty epoxides, corresponding to Reagent B above, are also useful as friction modifiers.

Borated amines are generally known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,158. Borated amine friction modifiers (including (ix) borated alkoxylated fatty amines) can be prepared by the reaction of a boron compounds, as described above, with the corresponding amines. The amine can be a simple fatty amine or hydroxy containing tertiary amines. The borated amines can be prepared by adding the boron reactant, as described above, to an amine reactant and heating the resulting mixture at about 50° C. to about 300° C. (e.g. about 100° C. to about 250° C. or about 130° C. to about 180° C.) with stirring. The reaction is continued until by-product water ceases to evolve from the reaction mixture indicating completion of the reaction.

Among the amines useful in preparing the borated amines are commercial alkoxylated fatty amines known by the trademark “ETHOMEEN” and available from Akzo Nobel. Representative examples of these ETHOMEEN™ materials is ETHOMEEN™ C/12 (bis[2-hydroxyethyl]-coco-amine); ETHOMEEN™ C/20 (polyoxyethylene≙[10]cocoamine); ETHOMEEN™ S/12 (bis[2-hydroxyethyl]≙soyamine); ETHOMEEN™ T/12 (bis[2-hydroxyethyl]-tallow-amine); ETHOMEEN™ T/15 (polyoxyethylene-[5]tallowamine); ETHOMEEN™ 0/12 (bis[2-hydroxyethyl]oleyl-amine); ETHOMEEN™ 18/12 (bis[2-hydroxyethyl]≙octadecylamine); and ETHOMEEN™ 18/25 (polyoxyethylene[15]≙octadecylamine). Fatty amines and ethoxylated fatty amines are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,848. Dihydroxyethyl tallowamine (commercially sold as ENT-12™) is included in these types of amines.

The (viii) alkoxylated fatty amines, and (v) fatty amines themselves (such as oleylamine and dihydroxyethyl tallowamine) may be useful as friction modifiers in this disclosure. Such amines are commercially available.

Both borated and unborated fatty acid esters of glycerol can be used as friction modifiers. The (vii) borated fatty acid esters of glycerol are prepared by borating a fatty acid ester of glycerol with boric acid with removal of the water of reaction. In an embodiment, there is sufficient boron present such that each boron will react with from 1.5 to 2.5 hydroxyl groups present in the reaction mixture. The reaction may be carried out at a temperature in the range of about 60° C. to about 135° C., in the absence or presence of any suitable organic solvent, such as methanol, benzene, xylenes, toluene, or oil.

The (vi) fatty acid esters of glycerol themselves can be prepared by a variety of methods well known in the art. Many of these esters, such as glycerol monooleate and glycerol tallowate, are manufactured on a commercial scale. In a particular embodiment, the esters are oil-soluble and prepared from C8 to C22 fatty acids or mixtures thereof, such as are found in natural products and as are described in greater detail below. In an embodiment, fatty acid monoesters of glycerol used, although, mixtures of mono- and diesters may be used. For example, commercial glycerol monooleate may contain a mixture of 45% to 55% by weight monoester and 55% to 45% diester.

Fatty acids can be used in preparing the above glycerol esters; they can also be used in preparing their (x) metal salts, (ii) amides, and (xii) imidazolines, any of which can also be used as friction modifiers. In an embodiment, the fatty acids are those containing 10 to 24 carbon atoms, such as those containing 12 to 18 carbon atoms. The acids can be branched or straight-chain, saturated or unsaturated. In some embodiments, the acids are straight-chain acids. In other embodiments, the acids are branched. Suitable acids include decanoic, oleic, stearic, isostearic, palmitic, myristic, palmitoleic, linoleic, lauric, and linolenic acids, and the acids from the natural products tallow, palm oil, olive oil, peanut oil, corn oil, coconut oil and Neat's foot oil. In certain embodiments, the acid is oleic acid. In other embodiments, the metal salts include zinc and calcium salts. Examples are overbased calcium salts and basic oleic acid-zinc salt complexes, such as zinc oleate, which can be represented by the formula Zn₄Oleate₆O₁. In an embodiment, the amides are those prepared by condensation with ammonia or with primary or secondary amines such as ethylamine and diethanolamine. Fatty imidazolines are the cyclic condensation product of an acid with a diamine or polyamine, such as a polyethylenepolyamine. The imidazolines may be represented by the structure:

wherein: R is an alkyl group; and R′ is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group or a substituted hydrocarbyl group, including —(CH₂CH₂NH)_(n)— groups, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 4. In an embodiment, the friction modifier is the condensation product of a C10 to C24 fatty acid with a polyalkylene polyamine, and in particular, the product of isostearic acid with tetraethylenepentamine.

The condensation products of carboxylic acids and polyalkyleneamines (xiii) may be imidazolines or amides. They may be derived from any of the carboxylic acids described above and any of the polyamines described herein.

Sulfurized olefins (xi) are well known commercial materials used as friction modifiers. A particularly sulfurized olefin utilized herein is one which is prepared in accordance with the detailed teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,957,651 and 4,959,168. Described therein is a co-sulfurized mixture of 2 or more reactants selected from the group consisting of (1) at least one fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, (2) at least one fatty acid, (3) at least one olefin, and (4) at least one fatty acid ester of a monohydric alcohol. Reactant (3), the olefin component, comprises at least one olefin. This olefin is may be an aliphatic olefin, which usually will contain 4 to 40 carbon atoms, e.g. from 8 to 36 carbon atoms. For example, terminal olefins, or alpha-olefins, including those having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms, may be utilized. Mixtures of these olefins are commercially available, and such mixtures are contemplated for use in this disclosure. The co-sulfurized mixture of two or more of the reactants, is prepared by reacting the mixture of appropriate reactants with a source of sulfur. The mixture to be sulfurized can contain about 10 to about 90 parts of Reactant (1), or about 0.1 to about 15 parts by weight of Reactant (2); or about 10 to about 90 parts (e.g. about 15 to about 60 parts or about 25 to about 35 parts) by weight of Reactant (3), or about 10 to about 90 parts by weight of reactant (4). The mixture, in the present disclosure, includes Reactant (3) and at least one other member of the group of reactants identified as Reactants (1), (2) and (4). The sulfurization reaction may be effected at an elevated temperature with agitation and optionally in an inert atmosphere and in the presence of an inert solvent. The sulfurizing agents useful in the process of the present disclosure include elemental sulfur, which maybe hydrogen sulfide, sulfur halide plus sodium sulfide, and a mixture of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur or sulfur dioxide. For example, about 0.5 to about 3 moles of sulfur are employed per mole of olefinic bonds. Sulfurized olefins may also include sulfurized oils, such as vegetable oil, lard oil, oleic acid and olefin mixtures.

Metal salts of alkyl salicylates (xiii) include calcium and other salts of long chain (e.g. C12 to C16) alkyl-substituted salicylic acids.

Amine salts of alkylphosphoric acids (xiv) include salts of oleyl and other long chain esters of phosphoric acid, with amines as described below. Useful amines in this regard are tertiary-aliphatic primary amines, sold under the tradename Primene™.

In some embodiments, the friction modifier is a fatty acid or fatty oil, a metal salt of a fatty acid, a fatty amide, a sulfurized fatty oil or fatty acid, an alkyl phosphate, an alkyl phosphate amine salt; a condensation product of a carboxylic acid and a polyamine, a borated fatty epoxide, a fatty imidazoline, or combinations thereof.

In other embodiments, the friction modifier may be the condensation product of isostearic acid and tetraethylene pentamine, the condensation product of isostearic acid and 1-[tris(hydroxymethyl)]methylamine, borated polytetradecyloxirane, zinc oleate, hydroxylethyl-2-heptadecenyl imidazoline, dioleyl hydrogen phosphate, C14-C18 alkyl phosphate or the amine salt thereof, sulfurized vegetable oil, sulfurized lard oil, sulfurized oleic acid, sulfurized olefins, oleyl amide, glycerol monooleate, soybean oil, or mixtures thereof.

In still other embodiments, the friction modifier may be glycerol monooleate, oleylamide, the reaction product of isostearic acid and 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, sorbitan monooleate, 9-octadecenoic acid, isostearyl amide, isostearyl monooleate or combinations thereof.

Although their presence is not required to obtain the benefit of the present disclosure, friction modifiers may be present in an amount from zero to about 2 wt. % (e.g., about 0.01 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %) of the composition of the present disclosure. These ranges may apply to the amounts of individual friction modifier present in the composition or to the total friction modifier component in the compositions, which may include a mixture of two or more friction modifiers.

Many friction modifiers tend to also act as emulsifiers. This is often due to the fact that friction modifiers often have non-polar fatty tails and polar head groups.

The composition of the present disclosure exhibit desired properties, e.g., wear control, in the presence or absence of a friction modifier.

Although their presence is not required to obtain the benefit of this disclosure, the friction modifier or friction modifiers may be present in an amount of about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent (e.g. about 0.1 weight percent to about 2.5 weight percent, or about 0.1 weight percent to about 1.5 weight percent, or about 0.1 weight percent to about 1 weight percent). Concentrations of molybdenum-containing materials are often described in terms of Mo metal concentration. Advantageous concentrations of Mo may range from about 25 ppm to about 700 ppm or more (e.g. about 50 to about 200 ppm). Friction modifiers of all types may be used alone or in mixtures with the materials of this disclosure. Often mixtures of two or more friction modifiers, or mixtures of friction modifier(s) with alternate surface active material(s), are also desirable.

Molybdenum-Containing Compounds (Friction Reducers).

Illustrative molybdenum-containing friction reducers useful in the disclosure include, for example, an oil-soluble decomposable organo molybdenum compound, such as Molyvan™ 855 which is an oil soluble secondary diarylamine defined as substantially free of active phosphorus and active sulfur. The Molyvan™ 855 is described in Vanderbilt's Material Data and Safety Sheet as a organo molybdenum compound having a density of 1.04 and viscosity at 100° C. of 47.12 cSt. The organo molybdenum compounds may be useful because of their superior solubility and effectiveness.

Another illustrative molybdenum-containing compound is Molyvan™ L, which is sulfonated oxymolybdenum dialkyldithiophosphate described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,174 hereby incorporated by reference.

Molyvan™ A made by R. T. Vanderbilt Company, Inc., New York, N.Y., USA, is also an illustrative molybdenum-containing compound, which contains about 28.8 wt. % Mo, 31.6 wt. % C, 5.4 wt. % H., and 25.9 wt. % S. Also useful are Molyvan™ 855, Molyvan™ 822, Molyvan™ 856, and Molyvan™ 807.

Also useful is Sakura Lube™ 500, which is more soluble Mo dithiocarbamate containing lubricant additive obtained from Asahi Denki Corporation and comprised of about 20.2 wt. % Mo, 43.8 wt. % C, 7.4 wt. % H, and 22.4 wt. % S. Sakura Lube™ 525 is another useful soluble Mo dithiocarbamate, comprised of 10 wt % Mo and about 11 wt % S. Sakura Lube™ 300, a low sulfur molybdenum dithiophosphate having a molybdenum to sulfur ratio of 1:1.07, is a molybdenum-containing compound useful in this disclosure.

Also useful is Molyvan™ 807, a mixture of about 50 wt. % molybdenum ditridecyldithyocarbonate, and about 50 wt. % of an aromatic oil having a specific gravity of about 38.4 SUS and containing about 4.6 wt. % molybdenum, also manufactured by R. T. Vanderbilt and marketed as an antioxidant and antiwear additive.

Other sources are molybdenum Mo(Co)₆, and molybdenum octoate, MoO(C₇H₁₅CO₂)₂ containing about 8 wt-% Mo marketed by Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis. and molybdenum naphthenethioctoate marketed by Shephard Chemical Company, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Inorganic molybdenum compounds, such as molybdenum sulfide and molybdenum oxide, are substantially less preferred than the organic compounds as described in Molyvan™ 855, Molyvan™ 822, Molyvan™ 856, and Molyvan™ 807.

Illustrative molybdenum-containing compounds useful in this disclosure are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0119682, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Organo molybdenum-nitrogen complexes may also be included in the formulations of the present disclosure. The term “organo molybdenum nitrogen complexes” embraces the organo molybdenum nitrogen complexes described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,647. The complexes are reaction products of a fatty oil, dithanolamine and a molybdenum source. Specific chemical structures have not been assigned to the complexes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,647 reports an infrared spectrum for an exemplary reaction product of that disclosure; the spectrum identifies an ester carbonyl band at 1740 cm 1 and an amide carbonyl band at 1620 cm 1. The fatty oils are glyceryl esters of higher fatty acids containing at least 12 carbon atoms up to 22 carbon atoms or more. The molybdenum source is an oxygen-containing compound such as ammonium molybdates, molybdenum oxides and mixtures.

Other organo molybdenum complexes which can be used in the present disclosure are tri nuclear molybdenum sulfur compounds described in EP 1 040 115 and WO 99/31113, and the molybdenum complexes described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,464.

Although their presence is not required to obtain the benefit of the present disclosure, molybdenum-containing additives may be used in an amount of from zero to about 5.0 (e.g., ≤about 5, ≤about 4, ≤about 3, ≤about 2, or ≤about 1) percent by mass of the composition of the present disclosure. For example, the dosage may be up to about 3,000 ppm by mass, such as from about about 100 ppm to about about 2,500 ppm by mass, from about 300 to about 2,000 ppm by mass, or from about 300 to about 1,500 ppm by mass of molybdenum.

Borated Ester Compounds.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4, or more) borated-ester compound. Illustrative boron-containing compounds useful in the disclosure include, for example, a borate ester, a boric acid, other boron compounds, such as a boron oxide. The boron compound is hydrolytically stable and is utilized for improved antiwear, and performs as a rust and corrosion inhibitor for copper bearings and other metal engine components. The borated ester compound acts as an inhibitor for corrosion of metal to prevent corrosion of either ferrous or non-ferrous metals (e.g. copper, bronze, brass, titanium, aluminum and the like) or both, present in concentrations in which they are effective in inhibiting corrosion.

Patents describing techniques for making basic salts of sulfonic, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,354,485; 2,501,731; 2,616,911; 2,777,874; 3,384,585; 3,320,162; 3,488,284; and 3,629,109. The disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. Methods of preparing borated overbased compositions are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,744,920; 4,792,410; and PCT publication WO 88/03144. The disclosures of these references are incorporated herein by reference. The oil-soluble neutral or basic salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals salts may also be reacted with a boron compound.

An illustrative borate ester utilized in this disclosure is manufactured by Exxon-Mobil USA under the product designation of (“MCP 1286”) and MOBIL ADC700. Test data show the viscosity at 100° C. using the D-445 method is 2.9 cSt; the viscosity at 40° C. using the D-445 method is 11.9; the flash point using the D-93 method is 146; the pour point using the D-97 method is −69; and the percent boron as determined by the ICP method is 5.3%. The borated ester (Vanlube™ 289), which is marketed as an antiwear/antiscuff additive and friction reducer, is an exemplary borate ester useful in the disclosure.

An illustrative borate ester useful in this disclosure is the reaction product obtained by reacting about 1 mole fatty oil, about 1.0 to 2.5 moles diethanolamine followed by subsequent reaction with boric acid to yield about 0.1 to 3 percent boron by mass. It is believed that the reaction products may include one or both of the following two primary components, with the further listed components being possible components when the reaction is pushed toward full hydration:

wherein Y represents a fatty oil residue. In an embodiment, the fatty oils are glyceryl esters of higher fatty acids containing at least 12 carbon atoms (e.g. 22 carbon atoms or more). Such esters are commonly known as vegetable and animal oils. Vegetable oils that may be used include oils derived from coconut, corn, cottonseed, linseed, peanut, soybean and sunflower seed. Similarly, animal fatty oils such as tallow may be used.

The source of boron is boric acid or materials that afford boron and are capable of reacting with the intermediate reaction product of fatty oil and diethanolamine to form a borate ester composition.

While the above organoborate ester composition is specifically discussed above, it should be understood that other organoborate ester compositions should also function with similar effect in the present disclosure, such as those set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0119682, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, dispersions of borate salts, such as potassium borate, may also be useful.

Other illustrative organoborate compositions useful in this disclosure are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0261838, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, other illustrative oranoborate compositions useful in this disclosure are disclosed, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,478,732, 4,406,802, 4,568,472 on borated mixed hydroxyl esters, alkoxylated amides, and amines; U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,486 on borated hydroxyethyl imidazolines; U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,113 on borated alkyl amines and alkyl diamines; U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,248 on borated hydroxyl-containing esters, including GMO; U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,032 on borated hydroxyl-containing hydrocarbyl oxazolines; U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,712 on borated sorbitan esters; U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,006 on borated ethoxylated amines; U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,322 on ethoxylated amides and their borates; U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,289 on hydrocarbyl vicinal diols and alcohols and ester mixtures and their borates; U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,734 on borates of hydrolyzed hydrocarbyl epoxides; U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,692 on etherdiamine borates; U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,941 on mixtures containing vicinal diols and hydroxyl substituted esters and their borates; U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,171 on borated mixtures of various hydroxyl and/or nitrogen containing borates; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,692,257 on various borated alcohols/diols, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Although their presence is not required to obtain the benefit of this disclosure, boron-containing compounds may be present in an amount of from zero to about 10.0% percent (e.g. from about 0.01% to about 5% or from about 0.1% to about 3.0%) by weight of the composition of the present disclosure. An effective elemental boron range of up to about 1000 ppm or less than about 1% elemental boron. Thus, in an embodiment, a concentration of elemental boron is from about 100 to about 1000 ppm (e.g. from about 100 to about 300 ppm).

When the grease composition of the present disclosure includes one or more of the additives discussed herein, the additive(s) are blended into the composition in an amount sufficient for it to perform its intended function.

The weight percent (wt. %) indicated throughout the present Application is based on the total weight of the composition of the present disclosure. It is noted that many of the additives are shipped from the additive manufacturer as a concentrate, containing one or more additives together, with a certain amount of base oil diluents. Accordingly, the weight amounts mentioned herein are directed to the amount of active ingredient (that is the non-diluent portion of the ingredient).

This invention of the present disclosure is further illustrated by the following examples which should not be construed as limiting. The data below demonstrates that the maximum operating temperature of the grease of the present disclosure is surprisingly increased relative to convention lithium complex greases. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be practiced with variations on the disclosed structures, materials, compositions and methods, and such variations are regarded as within the ambit of the invention.

EXAMPLES Methods of the Examples

Greases were tested using the FE9 grease life test method (DIN 51 821) with a heated ball bearing assembly, thereby determining the high-temperature operability. In particular, five ball bearings were individually tested until grease failure was achieved at the targeted (i.e., 160° C. for high-temperature resistivity examination) operability temperature. The statistical average of time to failure (V50) for the fire bearings at the targeted temperature is presented below. A V50 of greater than 100 hours for the tested grease is considered suitable for use at the targeted temperature.

Example 1. Examination of Current Multipurpose Lithium Complex Greases

As shown in Table 1, current multipurpose lithium complex greases are unable to provide acceptable performance (i.e., does not provide a V50 of greater than 100 hours) in the FE9 test at 160° C.

TABLE 1 Current Multipurpose Lithium Complex Greases FE9 Performance at 160° C. COMPONENT WT % CURRENT-A CURRENT-B CURRENT-C CURRENT-D 150 CST PAO #1 0.000 51.448 50.275 51.512 6 CST PAO 20.492 21.340 20.879 21.392 100 CST PAO 57.128 0.000 0.000 0.000 12-HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID OR ESTER 11.000 14.129 14.025 14.370 BLEND OF C5/C6 DIBASIC ACIDS OR ESTERS 2.890 4.239 4.208 4.311 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 3.040 4.145 4.114 4.215 ANTIOXIDANT BLEND (MIXED AMINIC/PHENOLIC) 0.000 2.000 3.000 0.000 TRIARYL PHOSPHATE 0.000 1.700 2.500 0.000 FATTY GLYCEROL ESTER 0.000 1.000 1.000 0.000 DIPHENYL AMINE #1 1.750 0.000 0.000 0.000 PRIMARY ZDDP #1 1.700 0.000 0.000 0.000 TRIPHENYL THIOPHOSPHATE 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.200 BORATED GLYCEROL ESTER 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.200 ASHLESS DITHIOCARBAMATE #1 1.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 ASHLESS DITHIOPHOSPHATE 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 KETONE AMINE ANTIOXIDANT 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.800 ZINC NAPHTHENATE 0.750 0.000 0.000 0.000 DYE 0.150 0.000 0.000 0.000 TOLYLTRIAZOLE 0.100 0.000 0.000 0.000 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) V50 (HOURS) 36 25 33 33

Example 2. Examination of the Contribution an Individual Component of the Grease of the Present Disclosure has on High-Temperature Resistivity

Table 2 illustrates the impact that only the friction modifier has on the high-temperature resistivity (V50). Table 3 illustrates the contribution that only the alkylated naphthalene has on the high-temperature resistivity (V50). Table 4 illustrates the contribution that only the polymer has on the high-temperature resistivity (V50). Tables 2-4 demonstrate that each of the components alone (i.e., the friction modifier, the alkylated naphthalene, and the polymer) do not provide any meaningful enhancement in high-temperature resistivity.

TABLE 2 Impact of Friction Modifier on FE9 Performance COMPONENT WT % FM-A FM-B FM-C FM-D FM-E 150 CST PAO #1 50.537 50.376 50.537 50.544 51.082 6 CST PAO 20.955 20.888 20.955 20.990 21.214 12-HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID OR ESTER 13.875 13.830 13.875 14.100 14.250 BLEND OF C5/C6 DIBASIC ACIDS OR ESTERS 4.163 4.149 4.163 4.230 4.275 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 4.070 4.057 4.070 4.136 4.180 ANTIOXIDANT BLEND (MIXED AMINIC/PHENOLIC) 2.000 2.000 2.000 0.000 0.000 PRIMARY ZDDP #2 1.700 1.700 1.700 0.000 0.000 DIPHENYL AMINE #2 0.000 0.000 0.000 2.000 2.000 FATTY GLYCEROL ESTER #1 1.000 1.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 ZINC DITHIOCARBAMATE 0.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 TRIPHENYL THIOPHOSPHATE 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 ASHLESS DITHIOPHOSPHATE 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 MOLYBDENUM DITHIOCARBAMATE #1 0.000 1.000 1.700 2.000 0.000 MOLYBDENUM DITHIOPHOSPHATE 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 2.000 MOLYBDENUM DITHIOCARBAMATE #2 1.700 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) V50 (HOURS) 68 39 42 44 49

TABLE 3 Impact of Alkylated Naphthalene on FE9 Performance COMPONENT WT % AN-A 150 CST PAO #1 49.820 12 CST ALKYLATED NAPHTHALENE 15.000 METHYL 12-HYDROXY STEARATES 12.400 PAO - 6 CST 10.990 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 3.300 BLEND OF C5/C6 DIBASIC ACIDS OR ESTERS 3.190 DIPHENYL AMINE #1 1.750 PRIMARY ZDDP #1 1.700 ASHLESS DITHIOCARBAMATE #2 1.000 ZINC NAPHTHENATE 0.750 TOLYLTRIAZOLE 0.100 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) V50 (HOURS) 35

TABLE 4 Impact of the Polymer on FE9 Performance COMPONENT WT % POLYMER-A 150 CST PAO #1 52.361 6 CST PAO 21.944 12-HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID OR ESTER 14.475 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 3.957 BLEND OF C5/C6 DIBASIC ACIDS OR ESTERS 3.764 PHENYL-ALPHA-NAPHTHYLAMINE 2.000 TRIPHENYL THIOPHOSPHATE 1.000 ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE COPOLYMER #1 0.500 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) V50 (HOURS) 35

Example 3. Examination of the Contribution Two Component of the Grease of the Present Disclosure has on High-Temperature Resistivity

Table 5 illustrates the contribution that the combination of the friction modifier and the alkylated naphthalene has on the high-temperature resistivity (V50). Table 6 illustrates the contribution that the combination of the polymer and the alkylated naphthalene has on the high-temperature resistivity (V50). Table 7 illustrates the contribution that the combination of the polymer and the friction modifier has on the high-temperature resistivity (V50). While the combination of the polymer and the friction modifier shows some increased high-temperature resistivity, the combination consistently fails to meet the 100 hour requirement to demonstrate high-temperature resistivity. The other combinations (friction modifier plus alkylated naphthalene, and the polymer plus alkylated naphthalene) do not provide any meaningful enhanced high-temperature resistivity.

TABLE 5 Impact of the Combination of the Friction Modifier and Alkylated Naphthalene on FE9 Performance COMPONENT WT % FM/AN-A 150 CST PAO #1 43.000 6 CST PAO 18.093 12 CST ALKYLATED NAPHTHALENE 15.000 12-HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID OR ESTER 11.027 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 3.014 BLEND OF C5/C6 DIBASIC ACIDS OR ESTERS 2.867 DIPHENYL AMINE #2 2.000 ZINC DITHIOCARBAMATE 1.000 TRIPHENYL THIOPHOSPHATE 1.000 ASHLESS DITHIOPHOSPHATE 1.000 MOLYBDENUM DITHIOCARBAMATE #3 2.000 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) V50 (HOURS) 68

TABLE 6 Impact of the Combination of the Polymer and Alkylated Naphthalene on FE9 Performance COMPONENT WT % POLY/AN-A 150 CST PAO #1 42.151 6 CST PAO 20.670 12 CST ALKYLATED NAPHTHALENE 15.000 12-HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID OR ESTER 10.865 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 2.969 BLEND OF C5/C6 DIBASIC ACIDS OR ESTERS 2.825 DIPHENYL AMINE #2 2.020 ZINC DITHIOCARBAMATE 1.000 TRIPHENYL THIOPHOSPHATE 1.000 ASHLESS DITHIOPHOSPHATE 1.000 ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE COPOLYMER #1 0.500 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) V50 (HOURS) 41

TABLE 7 Impact of the Combination of the Polymer and the Friction Modifier on FE9 Performance POLY/ POLY/ POLY/ COMPONENT WT % FM-A FM-B FM-C 150 CST PAO #1 48.970 50.733 50.191 6 CST PAO 20.530 21.262 21.035 12 CST ALKYLATED 15.000 14.025 13.875 NAPHTHALENE 12-HYDROXYSTEARIC 4.100 3.834 3.793 ACID OR ESTER LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 3.900 3.647 3.608 BLEND OF C5/C6 DIBASIC 2.000 2.000 0.000 ACIDS OR ESTERS ZINC DITHIOCARBAMATE 1.000 1.000 1.000 TRIPHENYL THIOPHOSPHATE 1.000 1.000 1.000 DIPHENYL AMINE #2 0.000 0.000 2.000 ASHLESS DITHIOPHOSPHATE 1.000 0.000 1.000 MOLYBDENUM 0.000 2.000 0.000 DITHIOCARBAMATE #1 MOLYBDENUM 2.000 0.000 0.000 DITHIOPHOSPHATE MOLYBDENUM 0.000 0.000 2.000 DITHIOCARBAMATE #3 ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE 0.500 0.500 0.500 COPOLYMER #1 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) 89 66 92 V50 (HOURS)

Example 4. Examination of the Contribution of the Polymer, Friction Modifier, and Alkylated Naphthalene has on High-Temperature Resistivity

Table 8 (FIG. 1) illustrates the contribution that the combination of the friction modifier, the polymer and the alkylated naphthalene has on the high-temperature resistivity (V50). Table 8 demonstrates that the combination of the friction modifier, the polymer, and the alkylated naphthalene synergistically and unexpectedly enhanced the high-temperature resistivity of the grease of the present disclosure by consistently having a V50 greater than 100 hours at 160° C.

Example 5. Examination of Base Line References

Table 9 (FIG. 2) illustrates numerous base line lithium complex grease formulations as comparative examples, wherein the B50 is the statistical average time in hours to failure (determined by the FE9 grease life test method (DIN 51 821) with a heated ball bearing assembly, as described above) for the listed comparative examples. As shown in Table 9, each of the comparative examples has poor temperature resistivity.

Example 6. Examination of Molybdenum-Containing Friction Modifiers

Table 10 (FIG. 3) illustrates the effect of varying types and amounts of molybdenum-containing friction modifiers. As shown in Table 10, without the polymer and the alkylated naphthalene, use of molybdenum-containing friction modifiers was only effective as increasing high temperature resistivity when used as substantially higher amounts.

Example 7. Examination of Co-Thickener or Alkylated Naphthalene Alone

Table 11 (FIG. 4) illustrates that substantial increases in alkylated naphthalene in the lithium complex grease without the friction modifier and polymer does not effectively result in high temperature resistivity.

Example 8. Examination of Combinations of Alkylated Naphthalene, Co-Thickeners, Molybdenum Friction Modifiers, and Polymers

Table 12 (FIG. 5) examines numerous combinations of alkylated naphthalene, co-thickeners, molybdenum friction modifiers and polymers.

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

According to an aspect, the present disclosure provides a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity, the lithium complex grease comprising: a lithium complex thickener;

a friction modifier; a polymer or copolymer; and at least one synthetic base oil having alkylated naphthalene.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the friction modifier is at least one of a molybdenum (Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenum dithiophosphate (MoDTP), an organic molybdenum amine or amide complex, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the polymer or copolymer comprises at least one of ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the polymer or copolymer is Vistamaxx™ 6202.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the at least one synthetic base oil includes at least one of an alkylated naphthalene base oil, a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil, alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the alkylated naphthalene base oil is at least one of a 5 cSt, 12 cSt, 15 cSt, 19 cSt alkylated naphthalene, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the PAO base oil is at least one of a 2 cSt, 3.4 cSt, 3.6 cSt, 4 cSt, 5 cSt, 6 cSt, 8 cSt, 10 cSt, 40 cSt, 65 cSt, 100 cSt, 150 cSt, 300 cSt PAO, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease contains sufficient friction modifier to provide 0.1% to 2% molybdenum and 0.1% to 2% sulfur to the composition.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease contains a friction modifier with a mass ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of 1 to 1.5.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, wherein the lithium complex grease further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a friction modifier, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof.

According to a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity, the method comprising mixing a lithium complex thickener, a friction modifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one synthetic base oil with alkylated naphthalene.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; at least 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease contains sufficient friction modifier to provide 0.1% to 2% molybdenum and 0.1% to 2% sulfur to the composition.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease contains a friction modifier with a mass ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of 1 to 1.5.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. of no less than 100 hours.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex grease further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a co-thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, a tackiness agent, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof.

EP/PCT Clauses:

1. A lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity comprising: a lithium complex thickener; a friction modifier; a polymer or copolymer; and at least one synthetic base oil including alkylated naphthalene; wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821) of no less than 100 hours.

2. The lithium complex grease of clause 1, wherein the friction modifier is at least one of a molybdenum (Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenum dithiophosphate (MoDTP), an organic molybdenum amine or amide complex, or a combination thereof.

3. The lithium complex grease of clauses 1-2, wherein the polymer or copolymer comprises at least one of ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or a combination thereof.

4. The lithium complex grease of clause 3, wherein the polymer or copolymer is Vistamaxx™ 6202.

5. The lithium complex grease of clauses 1-4, wherein sufficient friction modifier is used to provide 0.1% to 2% molybdenum to the grease.

6. The lithium complex grease of clauses 1-5, wherein sufficient friction modifier is used to provide 0.1% to 2% sulfur to the grease.

7. The lithium complex grease of clauses 1-6, wherein the friction modified has a mass ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of 1 to 1.5

8. The lithium complex grease of clauses 1-7, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil further includes at least one of a second alkylated naphthalene base oil, a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil, alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.

9. The lithium complex grease of clause 8, wherein the alkylated naphthalene base oil has a kinematic viscosity at 100 deg. C. ranging from 5 cSt to 19 cSt.

10. The lithium complex grease of clauses 8-9, wherein the PAO base oil has a kinematic viscosity at 100 deg. C. ranging from 2 cSt to 300 cSt.

11. The lithium complex grease of clause 8, wherein the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

12. The lithium complex grease of clause 11, wherein the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

13. The lithium complex grease of clauses 1-12, wherein the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of both PTFE and POE base oil.

14. The lithium complex grease of clauses 1-13, further comprising at least one other grease additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, and a combination thereof.

15. A method of improving high-temperature resistivity of a lithium complex grease used to lubricate a ball bearing, the method comprising: lubricating a ball bearing with a lithium complex grease comprising: a major amount of at least one synthetic base oil, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil includes alkylated naphthalene; a minor amount of a lithium complex thickener; a minor amount of a friction modifier; a minor amount of a polymer or copolymer; and the remainder of the lithium complex grease comprising one or more other grease additives; and measuring the high-temperature resistivity of the lithium complex grease with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821), wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate in the ball bearing test of no less than 100 hours.

16. A lithium complex grease comprising: a major amount of at least one synthetic base oil, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil includes alkylated naphthalene; a minor amount of a lithium complex thickener; a minor amount of a friction modifier; a minor amount of a polymer or copolymer; and the remainder of the lithium complex grease comprising one or more other grease additives; wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821) of no less than 100 hours.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments and methods described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the scope of the following claims.

It is understood that the detailed examples and embodiments described herein are given by way of example for illustrative purposes only, and are in no way considered to be limiting to the invention. Various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are included within the spirit and purview of this application and are considered within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the relative quantities of the ingredients may be varied to optimize the desired effects, additional ingredients may be added, and/or similar ingredients may be substituted for one or more of the ingredients described. Additional advantageous features and functionalities associated with the systems, methods, and processes of the present invention will be apparent from the appended claims. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. A lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity comprising: a lithium complex thickener; a friction modifier; a polymer or copolymer; and at least one synthetic base oil including alkylated naphthalene; wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821) of no less than 100 hours.
 2. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, wherein the friction modifier is at least one of a molybdenum (Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenum dithiophosphate (MoDTP), an organic molybdenum amine or amide complex, or a combination thereof.
 3. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, wherein the polymer or copolymer comprises at least one of ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or a combination thereof.
 4. The lithium complex grease of claim 3, wherein the polymer or copolymer is Vistamaxx™
 6202. 5. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, wherein sufficient friction modifier is used to provide 0.1% to 2% molybdenum to the grease.
 6. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, wherein sufficient friction modifier is used to provide 0.1% to 2% sulfur to the grease.
 7. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, wherein the friction modified has a mass ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of 1 to 1.5
 8. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil further includes at least one of a second alkylated naphthalene base oil, a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil, alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.
 9. The lithium complex grease of claim 8, wherein the alkylated naphthalene base oil has a kinematic viscosity at 100 deg. C. ranging from 5 cSt to 19 cSt.
 10. The lithium complex grease of claim 8, wherein the PAO base oil has a kinematic viscosity at 100 deg. C. ranging from 2 cSt to 300 cSt.
 11. The lithium complex grease of claim 8, wherein the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.
 12. The lithium complex grease of claim 11, wherein the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.
 13. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, wherein the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of both PTFE and POE base oil.
 14. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, further comprising at least one other grease additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, and a combination thereof.
 15. A method of improving high-temperature resistivity of a lithium complex grease used to lubricate a ball bearing, the method comprising: lubricating a ball bearing with a lithium complex grease comprising: a major amount of at least one synthetic base oil, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil includes alkylated naphthalene; a minor amount of a lithium complex thickener; a minor amount of a friction modifier; a minor amount of a polymer or copolymer; and the remainder of the lithium complex grease comprising one or more other grease additives; and measuring the high-temperature resistivity of the lithium complex grease with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821), wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate in the ball bearing test of no less than 100 hours.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil further includes at least one of a second alkylated naphthalene base oil, a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil, alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; at least 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein sufficient friction modifier is used to provide 0.1% to 2% molybdenum to the grease.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein sufficient friction modifier is used to provide 0.1% to 2% sulfur to the grease.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the friction modified has a mass ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of 1 to 1.5
 22. The method of claim 15, wherein the lithium complex grease is substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, or substantially free of both PTFE and POE base oil.
 23. The method of claim 15, wherein the lithium complex grease further comprises at least one other grease additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, and a combination thereof.
 24. A lithium complex grease comprising: a major amount of at least one synthetic base oil, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil includes alkylated naphthalene; a minor amount of a lithium complex thickener; a minor amount of a friction modifier; a minor amount of a polymer or copolymer; and the remainder of the lithium complex grease comprising one or more other grease additives; wherein the lithium complex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. (FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821) of no less than 100 hours.
 25. The lithium complex grease of claim 24, wherein the friction modifier is at least one of a molybdenum (Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenum dithiophosphate (MoDTP), an organic molybdenum amine or amide complex, or a combination thereof.
 26. The lithium complex grease of claim 24, wherein the polymer or copolymer comprises at least one of ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or a combination thereof.
 27. The lithium complex grease of claim 24, wherein the at least one synthetic base oil further includes at least one of a second alkylated naphthalene base oil, a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil, alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.
 28. The lithium complex grease of claim 27, wherein the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; at least 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.
 29. The lithium complex grease of claim 24, wherein the one or more other grease additives are selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, an extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, and a filler. 